06/17/2026
Many of you have been asking about the dog who was the victim in last week’s heartbreaking case involving a dog being dragged by a vehicle. We wanted to share an update.
The dog, named Lola, was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately after the incident, and on Friday she was transferred to our care as part of the Des Moines Police investigation. From the moment she arrived, it was clear she had suffered unimaginable trauma. She had severe injuries across much of her body and needed round-the-clock care to keep her comfortable and manage her pain. After our veterinary team completed an evaluation and ensured she was stable, we transferred her to an emergency and specialist veterinary hospital for 24/7 treatment and monitoring.
Over the past few days Lola received exceptional, compassionate care from the veterinary teams fighting for her, but her injuries were beyond extensive. Daily tests showed signs of organ dysfunction. Her battered body was struggling and starting to shut down.
She was losing a battle she should have never had to fight.
We were in constant communication with her surgical and veterinary team throughout her stay, and after those discussions with veterinary surgeons and veterinarians yesterday it became clear to all the veterinarians involved in trying to save her that the kindest gift we could give Lola was to humanely help end her suffering. Yesterday afternoon, surrounded by love from her caregivers, she drew her last breath.
While we are heartbroken by this outcome, we are grateful her final days were filled with kindness, compassion and love – things she has always deserved.
Please do something kind for someone today, in loving memory of Lola. If you would like to make a gift in her memory to help other animals who need emergency care and a second chance, please visit https://ow.ly/FF2250ZcyY8.
