Stranger spends $14K on vet bills for family's injured dog

Monday, December 23, 2019
Stranger spends $14K on vet bills for family's injured dog
Naveen Dhaliwal has the story from Yonkers.

YONKERS, New York (WABC) -- A family in Westchester is getting the best holiday blessing - to have their injured dog home for Christmas.

The 3-year-old Shih Tzu, Charlie, was hit by a car this past week in New Rochelle, leaving his hind legs paralyzed.

What is even more incredible - a complete stranger spent thousands of dollars of his own money for the vet bills.

The Robledo family is calling it a Christmas miracle.

James Gallagher, a complete stranger to Cindy Robledo, helped rush Charlie to the hospital.

Gallagher, the owner of six dogs himself, gave $14,000 for Charlie's vet bills, which Cindy, unfortunately just did not have.

"I'm just happy the dog is okay - this has nothing to do with money, and I look at the children's faces, that says it all," Gallagher said.

Just days before Christmas, the family is getting another special gift.

"He's part of my family now - not just a stranger, but a friend, and that friendship will last forever," said Cindy.

Doctors are saying Charlie still has a rough road to recovery, but he is one lucky dog to be home for the holiday.

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