Romeoville Rescue Seeks Donation For Dog Hit By Semi Truck

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Turbo, an American pit bull mutt, was seriously injured three weeks ago after a semi truck hit him on I-80. When the local shelter found him maimed on the road, he was a stray. But today, he is on his way to living a healthy life, basking in the love of the community — especially a Romeoville man — that made his recovery possible.

Turbo had a broken shoulder and the cost of surgery would be almost $2,400. Daniel Pomatto, owner of Mama Zoey & Puppies Rescue, received a call regarding the incident and immediately started brainstorming ideas on how to help the dog. After consulting veterinary practitioners, he learned of a more economically viable option, which was to remove his leg. Not only would this be cheaper, but Turbo would also not notice a difference once he had healed.

Pomatto shared this story online and asked for donations to raise $800 for the surgery. Within a few days, animal lovers across Romeoville pitched in and Turbo was admitted to the VCA Joliet Animal Hospital on Thursday.

"Turbo is out of surgery and recovering for a few days at the hospital under 24-hour care to make sure he is stable," Pomatto said. "He will have a long recovery. He needs special meds, special food and an orthopedic bed that does not put any pressure on the shoulder."

While the initial amount has been raised, the doctors said his recovery will take 5-8 months and the medicines could cost up to $750. Donations can be made here.

"We depend on donations to fund everything, so we are hoping people will sponsor his recovery," Pomatto said.

Mama Zoey & Puppies Rescue opened in 2014 when Pomatto and his wife, Kendall, took in Zoey, a stray in Will County. She was very far along in her pregnancy, and shelters did not want to incur the added cost of the puppies. When the couple heard about her possible euthanization, they opened their doors to her. On July 4, she gave birth to 11 healthy puppies.

The bond that Pomatto shares with dogs has only intensified over the years, so much so that despite the pandemic hampering his chances of organizing adoption events and fundraisers, he is willing to bear the financial burden of bringing another animal into his house. He said once Turbo is doing better, "he will come to my house and rest for a few weeks until he is decompressed, and then he will be going to a foster home."

"If we don't find a foster family, he will stay with my pack of dogs til he is completely healed," he said. "Turbo has not experienced love his whole life, but he loves everyone at the hospital. Some more than others."

To put in a request for fostering Turbo, visit the website or Facebook page.

"I know I can't save every dog, but I can save one and change his entire world," Pomatto said. "If you have it in your heart to skip that one cup of coffee and donate that money to Turbo, it would mean the world to us. In the end, I can only do so much. But with the community's help, we are unstoppable."

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