Community rallies around puppy who survived being hit by train

A 1-year-old dog who got hit by a train survived, and now a fund has been set up to help his family pay for his veterinary bills.

Chase, a Labrador mix, got loose from his owner when they were out for a walk Sunday morning and was hit by a train and pinned to the tracks, BluePearl Veterinary said in a news release.

Once the train passed, Chase's owner, Mark Rogers, freed the injured pup "before another approaching train was able to hit [him]," the release notes.

Chase's right foot was nearly severed, he fractured his hip, and skin near his groin was removed.

He underwent surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Blaine on Monday, and he's set to have more surgery Tuesday to fix his hip fracture, the release says.

“While he has a long road to recovery and some battles ahead, I’m optimistic that once he’s done healing, he’ll have a good quality of life," Dr. Andrew Jackson said in the release.

He may also need skin grafts to help him heal, according to the fund set up on the Frankie's Friends website.

The fund hopes to raise $10,000 to help pay for Chase's veterinary bills. As of Tuesday morning, the fund had raised $1,180 – about 12 percent of its goal.