Dog Has Costly Recovery Ahead After Being Struck

A white Siberian husky, known for his boundless energy, was running around Friday without a care in the world. Just a day later, the dog laid on Mill Creek Parkway, fighting for his life, after being struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Today, Connor the Husky is alive due to the veterinary care he received at VSEC in Levittown, his owners say. He suffered a compound leg fracture and serious ligament damage.

The veterinarian told the Riker family, which has to take Connor back weekly for bandage changings and check-ups, that the dog might need to get his leg amputated if it is fractured again. Jeanette Riker says for an active dog like Connor, it would not be hard for him to fracture his leg once more.

If amputation is needed, it will cost the family between $4,000 and $5,000. That additional cost is money the family simply does not have after spending over $2,400 on the initial treatment.

“We just can’t afford to put out anymore money,” Charles Riker said.

The sad tale started Saturday when Conner escaped from the family’s backyard.

Charles Riker, a Bristol Township School District employee, thought he had the dog cornered in a neighbor’s backyard, but the canine escaped through a small hole in the fence and ran onto Haines Road. As Charles Riker ran after Connor, the dog was hit by a driver at the intersection of Haines Road and Mill Creek Parkway. The driver fled the scene and police told the family the driver could located.

“Thanks to some really wonderful people we never met before, they were able to get the dog in the car and to the vet,” Jeanette Riker said.

While five-year-old dog’s spirits are high, the family worries about the fate of the beloved husky they adopted from a military veteran from Richboro who could no longer take care of him.

“We have an eight-year-old and a daughter in college, and it’s their favorite dog,” Charles Riker said.

“One person hit Connor and left, but 10 people stopped and helped, Jeanette Riker said. “There’s still good out there.”

The Rikers are hoping the community will step up and help them cover Connor’s medical cost. Jeanette Riker said that any donations above the cost of Connor’s care which are received by VSEC will go toward helping other dogs in need.

How you can help

Donations to Connor’s medical costs via cash, credit card or check are being accepted by VSEC.

• In person, or by mail: VSEC, 301 Veterans Hwy, Levittown, PA
• By phone: 215-750-7884

VSEC officials ask that those donating make sure they note their donation is intended to help pay Connor Riker’s medical bills.

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