Honey checked into the Iowa State’s Small Animal Hospital on Christmas Eve. And now five months later, she is nearly finished with her extensive rehabilitation and is ready to enjoy her life.
In December, Honey, a German shepherd, had been struck by a vehicle and was rushed to Iowa State’s Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital. Honey’s owner had been a homeless man, who loved her very much but was not able to afford the medical care she needed. He didn’t want his dog euthanized, and so his friend drove Honey to Iowa State where the owner surrendered her so she could receive the care she needed.
According to CbsNews, Honey had fractures all over her skull as well as in her sinus. The young dog had suffered multiple fractures as well as a traumatic brain injury. Her initial prognosis was poor.
The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center team stabilized her and proceeded with treating her injuries. The most difficult part, however was trying to understand and treat her brain trauma.
She was slowly nursed back to health by Iowa State University’s veterinarians and vet students. When Honey was eventually well enough to leave the hospital, Laura Bradner became the dog’s foster mom.
Honey underwent rehabilitation services five days a week at the medical center. Funding for her care came from a nonprofit called Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids, that has raised more than $27,000 for her treatment so far.
The graduates had treated Honey throughout their final year of school. She is such a gentle and gracious pup, everyone fell in love with her.
What a surprise when she made the stage at the 2026 graduation ceremony on Saturday; definitely appearing to be grinning from floppy ear to floppy ear.
Many thanks to a new generation of veterinarians, Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids and all the veterinarians, staff and volunteers who made Honey’s recovery possible.
Check out her video.
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