Photo: Contributed - Sabrina Fedorak

Jemma the five-week-old border collie may only have three legs, but she now has a loving home, a dedicated vet and a new lease on life.

Jemma's rescue began on Sept. 2 when two local women ventured on horseback into the backcountry in Princeton on a trail ride.

“While visiting the ranch we discovered a litter of five-week-old Border Collie pups, sadly one was missing her rear paw,” explains one of the rescuers, Sabrina Fedorak.

“The sweet girl was having trouble getting around and we were concerned the leg was damaged and required veterinary attention.”

It is believed the puppy's back leg had been damaged, chewed off or mangled by a coyote.

The owner of the ranch agreed to release the dog to the women's care with the hope it would receive medical attention and hopefully find a good home.

“We wanted the puppy to have a chance, so we didn't want there to just be euthanasia without the puppy having a chance – so we called Dr. Oz,” says Fedorak.

“After careful examination Dr. Oz determined little Jemma had a severe infection and the leg required immediate amputation, otherwise she wasn’t going to make it.”

Fedorak says the procedure would be a risky surgery for the young dog as it would not only be the youngest dog to receive an amputation at Rose Valley Vet, but it was also at risk for issues with anesthetic, clotting and general surgical complications.

“She deserves a chance, we should try to save her,” Dr. Oz told the women, according to Fedorak. He told them it had a 50 per cent chance of making it.

“Not only did Dr. Oz agree to do the surgery, he graciously donated his time, equipment, supplies and staffing.”

Fedorak says after several hours of surgery the dog awoke and it was thriving.

“Days later Jemma was eating, drinking and playing – all thanks to a community hero who saw value in a little life and was willing to do whatever possible to save it.”

Jemma continues to get stronger everyday, walking on three legs without issue and has now been adopted by her other rescuer.

“If people are in a situation where an animal might need help and they don't know what to do, there are people out there,” says Fedorak.

“One of the things that is fabulous here is that we have a terrific community. This story is not about us, it is about a community rallying together. The veterinarian, the foster, the adopter all these people coming together to save a life.”