Kennett boy saves injured dog, empties savings for care

KENNETT, MO (KFVS) -

A young boy from Kennett helped save a dog and donated all his money to help pay for treatment of the dog's injuries.

Hayden Sando was on his way to church with his family on Sunday when he noticed a wounded dog in the road.

Hayden noticed no one was stopping to help the dog so he and his mother found an off-duty officer at their church. The officer contacted the Kennett Humane Department and the dog was taken to the KenMo Veterinary Clinic.

The 14-week-old Great Pyrenees was diagnosed with a broken leg and other health issues.

"She looked really bad at first," said Hayden.

Kennett Humane Officer Tina Petix says the problems the dog has are fixable and he can be saved.

The next day Hayden emptied out his piggy bank, went to the KenMo Veterinary Clinic and donated around $20.

"Usually kids don't empty out their life savings to donate for an animal," Petix said. "They usually are more interested in buying toys."

"It made me feel good to help," said Hayden. "She's walking now."

They named the dog "Slicer" because he found the dog on Slicer Street and the church he attends is called Slicer Street Church of Christ.

Petix says Hayden has visited with Slicer several times.

"He will just sit there and play with him and they both have a great time," Petix said.

"She's doing better. She can walk now," said Hayden. "It makes me feel a lot better that she's alright."

"I was very proud that he had the, took the initiative to make a difference," said Shawn Sando, Hayden's dad. "I know sometimes we think, well, it's just an animal, it's just a dog, but it was a vulnerable creature who was needing some help and I was glad that Hayden had the willingness to step up and do something."

Peitx asks for donations to help pay for Slicer's care and other dogs.

Anyone who wants to donate can send money to the KenMo Veterinary Clinic at 807 Homecrest or the Kennett Veterinary Clinic on 1704 St. Francis St. both in Kennett.

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