Rescued dog dies after being hit by car

FALLBROOK – On Wednesday, Jan. 20, at approximately 7 p.m., there was a tragedy that no one at the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary will ever forget.

One of their volunteers was just finishing up Dovey's evening walk and was returning to FAS. As they were crossing Aviation Road, just feet away from its front door, a speeding truck hit both her and Dovey. The truck sent the volunteer tumbling to the ground and Dovey sadly right under the wheels. The truck did not stop but continued up Aviation Road at high speed.

The volunteer managed to get up and grab Dovey and get inside to safety. She was bloody from hitting the ground and from Dovey biting out of sure pain, but her only concern was the dog.

Dovey was immediately placed in the FAS van and was being rushed to the emergency veterinarian when she passed away.

Fifteen minutes after this horrific incident, a man walked up to FAS claiming to be the driver. His name and number were taken, but out of absolute panic and worry while rushing Dovey to the emergency vet, he walked away.

The surveillance video was viewed early Thursday morning and they saw something that they will never forget. The CHP was called immediately, and a report was filed. They also have a copy of both views of the surveillance cameras.

On the FAS Facebook page, communications volunteer Darcy Rouse wrote, "To say we are devastated by this is an understatement. The safety of our volunteers and animals is our #1 priority. We pray for our volunteer and commend her for her actions putting Dovey ahead of herself. Dovey survived the streets of Tijuana only to be killed right in front of FAS by a hit and run driver. Absolutely heartbreaking."

Dovey leaves behind her five 11-week old pups who have already had it rough by surviving being born in Tijuana and surviving parvo.

Donations can be made to honor the volunteer and Dovey, which will go to their Emergency Vet Fund, Winslow's Warriors, so that they can continue to help sweet pups like Dovey "who will forever be FAS family and will forever be in our hearts," Rouse said. ️

Donations can be made via PayPal to [email protected] or to Venmo: @FallbrookAnimalSanctuary or mailed to FAS, 230 W Aviation Road, Fallbrook CA 92028.

Anyone who may have seen the accident or who has any information about it is asked to call FAS, 760-685-3533.

For more information, visit www.FallbrookAnimalSanctuary.org.