Homeless man camps outside vet clinic until opening to save injured dog

Curtis knew he had few resources, but when his pit bull, Princess, was hit by a car, he refused to let her suffer. He wrapped her in blankets and carried her to the entrance of Ángeles de Asís, a non-profit animal shelter and veterinary clinic in Roanoke, Virginia, that offers affordable care.

He arrived at 4 a.m. and waited outside with Princess until the clinic opened. Security cameras captured Curtis's vigil. "People go to impossible lengths to help their animals," said Lisa O’Neill, the clinic's executive director. "No ifs, ands, or buts."

“

People go to impossible lengths to help their animals. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Once the clinic staff arrived, Princess received immediate attention. Her front leg was dislocated and she had broken teeth. The team successfully reset her leg without surgery. She is now recovering from nerve damage in her hind legs.

“

I felt it was my duty to help my dog at that moment. Princess means the world to me. We are an inseparable family.

"We didn't charge Princess's dad a dime," O'Neill stated. "We are here to help people." The clinic, which started as a free spay and neuter service, expanded to a full-service veterinary clinic due to urgent community needs. "And we believe animals deserve it. And all families, regardless of income or situation, deserve to have the love of an animal," O’Neill added.

Curtis visits Princess regularly, bringing her food and playing with her. "She lights up when she sees her dad," O'Neill observed. "I think he clearly does everything he can to take care of her. It's simply the love between a man and his dog."

“

We didn't charge Princess's dad a dime. We are here to help people.

Princess is getting stronger daily, now able to trot with a slight wobble. "In our hearts, we hope she reunites with her father, and hopefully, she will," O'Neill said. "However, if it's not possible and she can't keep up with his pace of life."

“

And we believe animals deserve it. And all families, regardless of income or situation, deserve to have the love of an animal.