'Buster' Gets Surgery—Thanks to Generous Donors

By Leslie Brown

Over this past weekend, local residents of Highland Park—Mount Washington really stepped forward to help out a little dog that got hit by a car on May 24 near the Los Angeles Public Library on Piedmont Street. The approximately eight-month-old pup, whom we named "Buster," was rescued by my son, Keenan Merkovich, a student at Highland Park High School, who had seen him get hit.

For those of you who haven't been following the story, after numerous attempts to find the owners, no one claimed the injured pet. So after spending quite a bit on emergency care, Keenan and his family (his mom Leslie, and godfather Derek), put together a website to help raise funds to cover the surgery.

With the help of the Highland Park-Mount Washington Patch, residents of the community became aware of the need, and stepped forward with their donations.  

More than 30 people contributed, Some of Keenan's high school classmates, donated $5, and one donor, Cynthia, a local artist, donated $300. In just three days, the family was able to raise almost $1,500 to cover the surgery to amputate the front right leg of the dog, and have him neutered. The amputation took place on Monday, June 17, and according to Dr. Regelson at Gateway Animal Hospital in Glendale, who performed the surgery, "it went well."

Buster will stay in the hospital for two more days to recover before returning to Highland Park. Next, the family hopes to find a kind and responsible home in the neighborhood who will adopt him. "I would really like to keep him, so I'm looking for a summer job to cover expenses, and convince my mom that I can take care of a three-legged dog," Keenan said.

The family wishes to thank those in the community who really stepped forward and helped out. "This is a truly heart-warming experience, and makes me believe in the good in people," said Leslie.

There are still more costs to cover from the earlier emergency visits, and the upcoming expenses. For anyone who is still able to help out, click here to access the website. Or go here: www.plumfund.com/pf/Buster

Donations can also be made directly to Gateway Animal Hospital this week—just say it's for Buster, the rescued pup.