A Heartwarming Story of Recovery and Community
A remarkable dog named Honey, who was severely injured after being hit by a car on Christmas Eve, made a surprise appearance at the commencement ceremony of Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her presence brought joy and inspiration to the students who played a crucial role in her recovery.
Honey’s arrival during the ceremony was met with genuine shock and excitement. As Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard, Dean of Veterinary Medicine Dan Grooms, announced her and her foster mom’s presence, many of the new graduates, college staff, and Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center employees were moved by the moment. For them, it was a full-circle experience that highlighted the journey they had taken with Honey.
The Beginning of a Difficult Journey
Honey's story began when she was hit by a car in Des Moines on Christmas Eve. According to her foster mom, Laura Bradner, Honey was critically injured at the time. She had fractures all over her skull and sinus, which required immediate medical attention.
Bradner shared that Honey belonged to a homeless man who wanted to save her but could not afford the necessary care. To prevent her from being euthanized, he surrendered her so she could receive the treatment she needed.
Grooms, who organized the surprise at the commencement ceremony, described the efforts of the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center team. They immediately started stabilizing Honey and addressing her various injuries. “Fixing fractures, fixing things that they could fix,” Grooms said. “The most important thing was also trying to understand and manage the brain trauma as well.”
A Collaborative Effort for Recovery
On the day Honey arrived, one of the emergency doctors reached out to Jan Erceg, the founder and medical director of Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids. This organization provides advanced medical and surgical care for shelter and rescue pets throughout Iowa.
“We provide the funds, and we help guide the care, and we work directly with the doctors on treatment plans,” said Erceg. “We’re very adept at taking emergency cases. The vast majority of our cases are emergencies, just like Honey when she came in.”
With the support of Critter Crusaders and the dedicated team at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, Honey underwent multiple procedures and rehabilitation. She now walks again, showing the incredible progress she has made.
A Remarkable Personality
Despite her injuries, Honey’s personality has remained as remarkable as her recovery. Bradner described her as having the sweetest disposition. “She can literally — expect her to do anything, take her anywhere — and she just goes with the flow,” she said.
Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids has raised more than $27,000 so far for Honey’s care. Bradner credited the support, along with the work of the medical center’s doctors, residents, veterinary technicians, and students, for making her recovery possible.
An Inspiring Message for Graduates
Grooms emphasized that Honey’s story gave this year’s graduates a meaningful example of the difference they can make. “I think it just gives them a kind of peek into what they can do and the impact that they can have when taking care of animals,” he said. “What was really special that Christmas Eve is how our community here at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center really came together to take care of Honey.”
A Joyful Future
For Bradner, Honey’s joy is evident. “You can just see it in her eyes that she just loves life,” she said. While Honey may have about a month of rehabilitation left, her journey has already inspired many.
This heartwarming story showcases the power of community, dedication, and compassion in saving lives, both human and animal.
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