Hero Dog Scheduled For Surgery

The family dog credited with saving his owner's life is scheduled for surgery to save his leg.

Kita's owner, Kim Stephens, says the dog jumped between a pit bull and her 12-year old son last December. She says the pit bull was trying to attack the boy. When Kita jumped in he was attacked instead, leaving the dog with more than 50 puncture wounds.  

Most of those wounds have healed, but one gaping wound behind Kita's knee has gotten bigger and infected after several unsuccessful surgeries. When the Stephens were faced with the possibility of amputating the dog's leg, they called The News on 6 for help. They needed to raise money for reconstructive surgery to save Kita's leg.

The veterinarian selected to perform the reconstructive surgery, Dr. Paul Dean of Veterinary Surgical Referral Center in Tulsa, says Kita is scheduled for surgery this Friday. He says he will probably have to perform two or three separate surgeries to fix the wound. However, Dr. Dean says he does not expect the cost of the surgeries to reach the original estimate of $3,000.

Since we first ran Kita's story, we've been inundated with phone calls, e-mails and dozens of comments online. Oklahomans want to help. The Veterinary Surgical Referral Center has set up a fund for Kita's surgery costs. So far Oklahomans have donated more than 500 dollars to the account. Tulsa Dog Training Club raised more than $300 of that. Southern Agriculture is also taking donations for the Stephens to use at home like gauze pads and first aid tape to help the family treat Kita's leg at home.

If you'd like to donate supplies for Kita you can drop them off at any Tulsa Southern Agriculture location. Look for a box with Kita's picture on it. If you'd like to donate money for Kita's surgery you can drop it off or mail it to:

Veterinary Surgical Referral Center
C/O Kita
7222 E. 41st Street
Tulsa, OK 74145