Puppy Gets ‘Lucky’ After Being Thrown From Car

When Kris Everidge left to drive his 8-year-old son Tyler to school on a normal Tuesday morning, little did he know his family was about to expand.

The two were driving down the road April 12 when Tyler noticed that someone in the car in front of them had thrown a bag out of the window. Since Tyler had been learning about litter, recycling and the need to take care of the environment in school, the act disturbed him, Kris said.

“My son said, ‘Dad, they just littered,’ ” Kris said. “We stopped. He got up to it (the bag) and there she was. The bag was moving – it was crying.”

Knowing the puppy needed medical attention, Kris Everidge began checking around for a veterinary office that could help. A friend recommended they make the drive from their Riverview home to Lutz’s .

When Dr. Adriana Odachowski heard Lucky’s story, she said she wanted to help.

“She had suffered some injury to her right leg; minor trauma and a small fracture,” Odachowski said.

Other than the leg injury, Odachowski was able to give the 6-week-old pit-mix puppy a clean bill of health. She sent the puppy home with the Everidges with a few medications.

“She should be fine,” Odachowski was pleased to report. “They love her. (It’s) a nice ending.”

For many other pets, however, the ending isn't always so happy, she added. Odachowski stressed the need for people to pay attention when they’re driving like the Everidges did.

“If you see somebody throwing (things) out (of a car), take a license plate number. It’s a crime.”

Kris Everidge said his family is pleased to have the puppy as a part of it. They have, however, renamed the little dog.

She’s now known as Cassidy “as in hopalong,” Kris said, adding that, “Cassidy, she’s here for good.”

is located at 1524 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The hospital specializes in the care of dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and other exotic pets. It uses a combination of eastern and western veterinary practices to provide comprehensive care.