Couple Spends $12,000 Wedding Fund to Save Injured Dog Abandoned at Roadside: ‘She’s Family Now

Dylan McCay and his fiancée Emily Roberts, a couple from Arkansas, made a life-changing decision when they used their entire $12,000 wedding fund to save an abandoned Goldendoodle they found critically injured. Their selfless act has since inspired a wave of support, raising $45,000 through a GoFundMe campaign and giving the dog, now named Maple, a loving forever home.

The story began on November 2, when McCay saw a Facebook post about a Goldendoodle hit by a car and left for dead near Conway. He immediately drove 20 minutes to the location and found the nine-month-old dog lying in the rain, covered in blood, with two broken legs. Despite her severe injuries, the dog remained calm. “She tried to crawl towards me and laid her head on my lap,” McCay shared on Facebook.

McCay rushed her to an emergency veterinary hospital, where the staff confirmed they could help but that the costs would need to be covered upfront since the dog’s owner was unknown. Without hesitation, McCay and Roberts agreed to use their wedding savings to cover the treatment.

The dog, now named Maple (previously Acklin), faced severe challenges: fractured femurs, bruised lungs, flea infestations, and shock. Initially, there was concern that one of her legs might need to be amputated. But McCay and Roberts stood by her side, attending every appointment and overseeing her recovery.

Their kindness didn’t go unnoticed. Strangers moved by their story began donating to help with the mounting medical bills. With the funds raised, Maple received extensive care, including surgeries and physical therapy. Her recovery has been remarkable—she recently began walking mostly on her own.

Maple, now officially adopted by McCay and Roberts, has become part of their family. In a heartfelt update on their GoFundMe page, they shared, “Maple finally came home today! Emily and I have learned just how silly, playful, and joyous she is. She is making such great progress with her walking now that we are having to slow her down to prevent her from hurting herself.”

The couple continues to share updates on Maple’s progress on TikTok (@sweetlifeofmaple), celebrating her resilience and the community’s overwhelming support. For McCay and Roberts, saving Maple wasn’t just about rescuing a dog—it was about giving her a chance at life and a loving home.