Amazing tales of survival, recovery, and medical triumphs

Mocha's Story

7 Nov 99
Hi, One year ago today, my dog saved my life. I live on the Navajo Reservation, and work as as Emergency Medicine Physician at Northern Navajo Medical Center, in Shiprock, New Mexico. I had just finished another grueling night shift in the E.R. My routine, after work, was to go jogging with my two year old, red male Doberman named Mocha. We would run approximately five miles, up on a sandy dirt trail every morning around 0830 hours. This particular Saturday morning, we were running in an easterly direction, when an old pick up truck, fondly called a "Rez Rocket" came out of an arroyo doing about 30-35 mph. I didn't see the truck, and the driver was blinded by the rising sun. I was in the direct path of the truck. Mocha sprinted and got between me and the truck. He was hit by the truck. For me everything occurred in slow motion. The point of contact was the drivers side bumper. The truck spun Mocha around on his hind quarters. Fortunately, he bounced off.

On examination, he appeared to have a fractured femur. I rushed him to my Vet in Farmington, N.M. X-rays revealed a comminuted fracture of the left acetabulum*. My veterinarian recommended that I take Mocha up to Colorado State Veterinary School, in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The care Mocha received was excellent. The Orthopedic Surgeon recommended surgery. Her plan was to try to plate together the fragments of the acetabulum and put a pin through the femur. Unfortunately, because Mocha was so muscular, they were unable to do so. Instead, they opted to remove the head and neck of the femur. The goal being to form a false joint outside of the hip area.

Given my knowledge of human orthopedics, I really didn't understand how this type of surgery would work. Post operatively, I was told that Mocha would probably be unable to run again, he would have a noticeable limp, but would be pain free.

After, approximately three months, Mocha could walk without a limp, chase Prairie Dogs, and play. This past summer, Mocha and I participated in "The Walk Across The Navajo Nation", which is a series of 5k run/walks in various communities on the reservation.

Today, we walk approximately two miles every morning, and one mile in the evenings.

Every day, I thank the Creator, for blessing me with such a wonderful companion. My best friend Mocha, who put his life on the line, trying to protect me. What do you do for someone who saved your life? I give him a big hug and try to love him as much as I can.

Thank you for this opportunity to share Mocha's Story.
Deborah Waters, MD

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