When you find an animal in distress, your first instinct might be to help. But do animal care centers have programs in place to support these acts of kindness? While not always formally labeled as a “Good Samaritan program,” many animal care centers and veterinary facilities operate with a similar spirit, providing crucial aid to animals brought in by compassionate individuals. This is exemplified in the heartwarming story of Malia, a dog rescued by two Good Samaritans and given a second chance at life thanks to the intervention of an animal care center.
Kati Dooley, a registered nurse, never set out to be a Good Samaritan. Recovering from emergency surgery herself, Kati was being driven home when she and her mother spotted a dog in terrible condition in a ditch. Located near a trailer park off Highway 61 in St. Francisville, Louisiana, the sight of the black dog dragging itself sparked immediate concern in Kati. “It was a rough area,” Kati recalls. “I told my mother to turn back. As we got closer, I saw the dog dragging itself, unable to walk, slumped over. I told her, ‘I’ve got to get the dog.’”
Driven by compassion, Kati used pieces of shrimp and red beans and rice to coax the emaciated dog closer. Seeing her chance, Kati gently secured the dog with a towel and placed her in the car. Knowing the dog needed immediate veterinary attention, Kati’s first and only thought was to contact the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. “I’m so glad I had somewhere reliable to bring her,” she said. “She needed help immediately. I didn’t think twice about where to take her.”
Upon arrival at LSU Vet Med, a clinician met Kati and the dog with a gurney, immediately assuring her they would do everything possible. Overwhelmed by the dog’s poor condition, Kati feared the worst, but found solace in knowing she had brought the dog to a place where she wouldn’t die alone.
At the LSU Vet Med Small Animal Hospital’s ER and ICU service, the extent of the dog’s suffering became clear. She was diagnosed with a chronic, improperly healed fractured leg, severe emaciation, flea infestation, anemia, dehydration, and heartworm disease. Scars covering her face hinted at a history of trauma. Despite her pain and ordeal, the dog remained gentle and unaggressive.
Jacqueline Perez Menjivar, a veterinary nurse at LSU Vet Med’s Community Practice and former ER & ICU staff member, became Malia’s second Good Samaritan. Encountering the weak dog in ICU, Jacqueline was deeply moved. “She looked at me and put her head in my hand,” Jacqueline remembers. “In that moment, I made a promise to her. I told her, ‘I’ll take care of you.’”
After initial stabilization, the dog, now named Malia by Jacqueline, was transferred to Companion Animal Alliance (CAA), the local open-intake shelter. Facing overcrowding and limited resources, CAA had scheduled Malia for euthanasia due to her medical needs. Jacqueline stepped in, signing up to be Malia’s medical foster and bringing her home on July 11, 2022, effectively saving her life once again.
In August 2022, Malia underwent amputation of her severely damaged hind leg at CAA. Despite becoming a tripod, Malia thrived in Jacqueline’s care. “She is the cutest little tripod ever,” Jacqueline says. “It took her a bit of time to regain her strength, but she gets around very well now. She even has the zoomies from time to time.”
Now a healthy and happy 5-year-old Labrador retriever mix, weighing 36 lbs, Malia has completed heartworm treatment and is ready for her forever home. She is vaccinated, well-behaved with other animals and people, and available for adoption through CAA since December 9, 2022.
Kati, upon hearing of Malia’s transformation, expressed immense joy: “Her name is Malia! I didn’t think she’d make it. I am so happy,” she exclaimed, highlighting the profound impact of Good Samaritan actions and the life-saving role of animal care centers.
Malia’s story is a testament to the often-unspoken “Good Samaritan program” that exists within animal care centers and veterinary services. While not a formal, named program, the dedication to helping animals in need, regardless of immediate payment or owner status, is a core principle for many such organizations. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, like many others, embodies this spirit, providing essential emergency care and working with shelters and fosters to ensure animals like Malia get a second chance.
If you are interested in becoming Malia’s third angel and providing her permanent home, you can start the adoption process by filling out the adoption survey and including her name and impound number 123622. You can also support the life-saving work of LSU Vet Med and similar animal care centers by donating to help homeless animals.
About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is a leading institution dedicated to animal and human health through education, research, and compassionate care. As one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the sole one in Louisiana, LSU SVM is committed to teaching, healing, discovering, and protecting, making a tangible difference in the lives of animals and the communities they serve.
