Canine crash survivor on the mend in Fort Benton

A tragic crash near Loma took the life of a Vaughn man last month, but his trusty canine passenger managed to escape the wreckage and is recovering with help from a local vet and foster home.

William “Bill” Emerson, 46, was pronounced dead after his pickup crossed the center line and collided head-on with a semi truck on Highway 87 on Monday, Aug. 31. A bystander happened to see Emerson’s dog, Weezer, jump from the badly smashed pickup cab and seek refuge in a ditch. Had it not been for that observation, responders may have never known to look for the dog.

“How he survived, nobody knows. It’s a miracle,” said Evan Peacock, who has been caring for Weezer, a yellow Labrador mix, with lots of support from the staff at Highwoods Veterinary Service in Fort Benton.

When they found Weezer, law enforcement officers considered putting the badly injured dog out of his misery. A member of the ambulance crew called Fort Benton veterinarian Jennifer Evans to ask for her expertise.

Weezer had gone into shock after suffering a compound fracture on a front leg and burns on his body caused by spilled diesel. He also lost a tooth and had numerous cuts.

Dr. Evans loaded Weezer on a stretcher and drove him back to her clinic, where she and her staff, Nikki Ayers and Kris Wright, treated his wounds with no expectation of being paid for their services.

“He just loves them. They saved his life,” Peacock said.

Dr. Evans also made arrangements for Weezer to undergo surgery at Big Sky Animal Medical Center in Great Falls, hoping to save his leg from amputation.

“Everybody came together to try to help take care of Weezer,” Wright said. “The dog has truly been a blessing to everyone that has come across him.”

Peacock learned about Weezer the morning after the wreck. After losing his own two Labradors to old age, he had recently talked with Dr. Evans about a puppy he considered adopting. Then along came Weezer.

As it turned out, Peacock knew Weezer’s owner, Bill Emerson, because the two men had worked for the same construction company before Peacock retired.

Peacock offered to drive Weezer to Great Falls for his scheduled surgery. He expected the dog would be hesitant to enter another pickup after his traumatic experience, but Weezer was eager to go for a ride. He had been Emerson’s constant companion on the road.

The surgeon patched Weezer’s leg back together with a plate and screws before stapling the incision and protecting the leg with a splint.

After Weezer was released from surgery, Peacock brought him home to Fort Benton and has cared for him ever since, making regular visits to Highwoods Vet for continued care.

Peacock is prepared to give Weezer back to Emerson’s family if they wish, but he is happy to provide the dog with a home.

Now a month into his recovery, Weezer’s fur has grown back on the burned areas and many of his scars have faded. The only telltale sign of his recent brush with death is the pink splint that encapsulates his front leg.

“He’s ready to get it off and be able to run around, but I don’t think his leg is ready yet,” Peacock said.

After eight weeks in the splint, they will evaluate how the leg has healed and begin attempts to rehabilitate it. On his regular trips to the vet, Weezer is patient with the staff, allowing them to handle his leg without so much as a growl.

“He just looks happy and grateful. I don’t know how else to describe it,” Wright said.

Emerson’s employer, Dick Anderson Construction, as well as co-workers and friends, donated money toward Weezer’s surgery bill in Great Falls. Highwoods Veterinary Service did not charge for their ongoing care, but they have received some donations because Emerson’s family suggested in his obituary that memorial contributions could be made to the local vet.

“It was just an absolutely tragic thing and we were just there to help how we could,” Wright said. “He is a lucky little dog and we are lucky to know him.”