CA, US & World
Veterinarian Performs Life-Saving Surgery for Abandoned Beagle Born Without an Opening to Relieve Herself
It’s a feel-good story that reminds us of the power of compassion—and while it didn’t happen in the Coachella Valley, we at NBCPalmSprings.com love sharing uplifting stories about animals.
In Pendleton County, Kentucky, an abandoned beagle named Lucy is now on the road to recovery thanks to a veterinarian who stepped up in a big way. The team at Frankie’s Furry Friends received a call from the Pendleton County Animal Shelter about a severely underweight dog left at their doorstep. At first glance, the rescuers feared she had parvo due to her frail condition.
Heather Fisher, the rescue’s founder, took Lucy to Alexandria veterinarian Dr. Brandon Heineke, who quickly diagnosed the issue—Lucy had been born without an opening to relieve herself. Without intervention, she would have developed life-threatening infections in her bladder and reproductive tract.
The necessary surgery was expected to cost around $8,000, well beyond what the small nonprofit rescue could afford. But Dr. Heineke didn’t hesitate. He volunteered to perform the operation at no cost.
“You get into this field for the animals,” he said. “I just felt like she needed a chance.”
The surgery was a success, and although Lucy is still malnourished at just 15 pounds (she should be closer to 25), her prognosis is excellent. Dr. Heineke says there's no reason she can't live a long, healthy life.
Even better? After sharing Lucy’s story on social media, the vet received a call from someone eager to adopt her and give her the forever home she deserves.
A huge thank you to all those who go above and beyond for animals in need—and a special shoutout to Lucy’s future family.
Story courtesy of CNN News Source.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 31, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason