Tiny Puppy, Big Fight: East Texas Rallies for “Connie”

TYLER, Texas — The East Texas community is known for its big heart, especially when it comes to animals in need. Sadly, not all pets experience the love and care they deserve. Many are abandoned, neglected, or abused — left to fend for themselves on the streets.

On Tuesday, May 30, one such puppy’s life took a hopeful turn. A 7-week-old Great Pyrenees mix, now lovingly named Connie, was brought to the SPCA of East Texas by a good Samaritan who found her injured on the roadside.

A Fight to Save Her Leg

“She has a compound fracture, with some nerve damage in that leg,” explained Kat Cortelyou, director of operations at the SPCA of East Texas. “We’re trying very hard to save the leg, but in the end, we may still have to amputate. We’re going to do everything we can to give this girl a chance at a normal life.”

Connie’s heartbreaking story quickly spread online after the SPCA shared it on Facebook. Donations and messages of support began pouring in from animal lovers across the community.

“Seeing that people were making donations to this sweet dog means the world to us,” Cortelyou said. “It means we can try to save the leg, instead of automatically resorting to amputation.”

A Namesake With a Mission

Among the donors was Connie Fleming, founder of Sew Craftie – Helping Homeless Animals. Deeply moved, Fleming was astonished to learn that the puppy had been named in her honor.

“When Kat said they’re naming her after me, I was like, wait, seriously? I felt so honored,” Fleming shared. “When I first saw little Connie, she just touched my heart. I’m not a doctor, but I thought — I can help in other ways.”

“She just looked so hurt and defeated, and of course that horrific injury in her paw,” Fleming said. “They’re going to need a lot of donations and vet care, so that’s where I’ll be helping, for sure.”

A Community United

Connie’s journey is just beginning. With extensive veterinary care and the unwavering support of the community, she has a chance to heal — and, hopefully, run and play like any puppy should.

Her story is a reminder of the resilience of animals and the extraordinary compassion of those who rally to save them.