Couple Uses $12,000 Wedding Fund to Save Injured Dog Found on Road: ‘She’s Part of the Family Now’

Dylan McCay and his fiancée, Emily Roberts, a couple from Arkansas, made an extraordinary decision that changed their lives and saved the life of a dog in desperate need.

Instead of using their $12,000 wedding fund for their dream ceremony, they chose to spend it all to rescue and heal a critically injured Goldendoodle they found abandoned. This act of kindness inspired many others, leading to an outpouring of support.

Through a GoFundMe campaign, they raised $45,000, which helped cover the dog’s medical expenses and gave her a chance at a loving home. Today, the dog, named Maple, is thriving as a happy member of their family.

Their journey began on November 2, when Dylan saw a heartbreaking Facebook post about a Goldendoodle that had been hit by a car and left for dead near Conway, Arkansas. Without hesitation, he drove 20 minutes to the location.

When he arrived, he found the nine-month-old dog lying in the rain, soaked, bloodied, and in immense pain. Her back legs were badly broken, and she could barely move. Despite the pain, the dog showed incredible courage. She tried to crawl toward Dylan and rested her head gently on his lap, as if trusting him to help her.

Moved by her condition, Dylan rushed her to an emergency veterinary hospital. The veterinary team confirmed that they could treat her injuries but explained that the costs needed to be paid upfront since there was no known owner to cover the bills.

Without hesitation, Dylan and Emily agreed to use their wedding savings to cover the costs. Their love and compassion became a lifeline for the injured dog.

The dog, named Acklin by the hospital staff but later renamed Maple, faced many serious medical challenges. She had two broken femurs, bruised lungs, flea infestations, and was in a state of shock.

At one point, doctors thought one of her legs might need to be amputated. But Dylan and Emily were determined to do whatever it took to help her heal. They stayed by her side, attended all her medical appointments, and gave her the love and care she desperately needed.

Their story quickly spread, touching the hearts of people across the country. Strangers who heard about their selfless act started donating money to help with Maple’s medical bills.

The couple was overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, and with the $45,000 raised, Maple received the best possible care.

This included surgeries to fix her legs, physical therapy to regain her mobility, and ongoing medical treatment. Slowly but surely, Maple began to recover. She even started walking again, which was a miraculous milestone.

Dylan and Emily officially adopted Maple and welcomed her into their family. They frequently share updates about her progress on TikTok (@sweetlifeofmaple), where thousands of followers cheer her on. In one update, they shared their joy: “Maple finally came home today! Emily and I have discovered how silly, playful, and joyful she is. She’s walking so well now that we actually have to stop her from overdoing it and hurting herself!”

For Dylan and Emily, Maple’s rescue was more than just saving a dog. It was about giving her a second chance at life and showing that kindness and compassion can make a difference. Maple, once abandoned and injured, now lives a happy and loved life with the couple. Their story reminds us all of the power of love and community support, proving that even in the hardest times, acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of goodness.