April 2020 — Tonka and Little P entered our One Lucky Pup program following an unimaginable tragedy. Their guardian, Kris Busching, lost his life during a hiking accident in Colorado. Though both dogs survived a catastrophic fall into a canyon, they sustained serious injuries and were left without the person who had been their entire world. Their story made heartbreaking headlines around the world.

After the accident, Tonka and Little P were found the next day, faithfully waiting by Kris, refusing to leave his side. They were transported back to New York and brought into our care under urgent circumstances.

Both dogs required extensive diagnostics and specialty treatment. Tonka suffered a severe left foreleg fracture requiring orthopedic surgery and plating, as well as a secondary injury to his right foreleg. He was later diagnosed with mast cell cancer, necessitating an additional surgery. We ensured Tonka received ongoing care at the Animal Medical Center, including weekly follow-ups, splinting, bandage changes, and x-rays.

Little P suffered a severely fractured lower mandible requiring surgery, removal of fractured teeth, wiring, and placement of an acrylic jaw splint, followed by a strict recovery period and a second outpatient procedure to remove the hardware.

Tonka and Little P were adopted by a family in Pennsylvania whose application was among the very first received, before their story went viral. Over weeks of conversations and collaboration, a meaningful bond formed between our nonprofit, Tonka and Little P’s new family, and the Busching family.

Since their adoption, Tonka passed and is now walking beside Kris once again. Little P is a bright light in his family, a testament to resilience, love, and the impact of rescue.