08/06/2026
Over the course of several weeks in July, Animal Control received multiple reports of a large black dog running loose in Columbia Park with what appeared to be a severely injured front leg. Animal Control Officers, concerned residents, and park visitors all tried to safely capture her, while others made sure she had food. But despite everyone's best efforts, the frightened dog remained just out of reach.
Recognizing that safely rescuing her would require a coordinated effort, Tri-Cities Animal Services asked the community to temporarily stop feeding the dog so Animal Control could implement a safe trapping plan. During that time, Animal Control partnered with an experienced local trapper who volunteered countless hours trying to bring the injured dog to safety. After several unsuccessful attempts, a plan was put in place for the trapper to continue working overnight while Animal Control remained on standby to respond the moment she was secured.
In the early morning hours of July 21, after weeks on the run, that persistence finally paid off. Around 2:00 a.m., the trapper successfully captured the dog, and Animal Control immediately responded to transport her safely to Tri-Cities Animal Services.
We named her Nyx.
Once she arrived at the shelter, the full extent of what she had endured became clear. Nyx had a severely fractured front leg and was covered in ticks from head to toe. She was exhausted, frightened, and in pain, but for the first time in weeks, she was finally safe.
Later that morning, Nyx was examined by Tri-Cities Animal Services' in-house veterinarian. Unfortunately, the damage to her leg was too severe to repair, and amputation was the only humane option. Thanks to the shelter's new veterinary program, the surgery was performed on site, saving approximately $5,000 in outside veterinary costs while allowing Nyx to receive prompt, compassionate care from our amazing TCAS team without leaving the shelter.
That in-house veterinary care is making a meaningful difference for animals like Nyx every day. It allows the shelter to provide timely medical treatment, reduce costs, and direct more resources toward helping additional animals in need.
Today, it's hard to believe Nyx is the same dog who spent weeks running through Columbia Park with a broken leg.
She has adapted remarkably well to life on three legs and hasn't let anything slow her down. Nyx loves sprinting around the play yard, keeping an eye on the other dogs as they come and go for walks, and reminding everyone she meets that she is absolutely convinced she's a lap dog. Her sweet personality has shined through every step of her recovery.
Nyx's story is a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together. From the residents who reported sightings, to the dedicated trapper who never gave up, to Animal Control Officers who responded day and night, and the shelter team and in-house veterinarian who gave her the medical care and love she desperately needed, every person played a part in giving Nyx a second chance.
Now, after everything she's overcome, Nyx is ready for the next chapter.
Nyx will be available for adoption beginning Saturday (8/8), and she's looking for a family who will give her the love, comfort, and security she's always deserved. We can't wait to see this resilient, affectionate girl finally find the forever home she's been waiting for.
Link to Nyx's adoption profile: https://24petconnect.com/PP6628/Details/PP6628/61404672
