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Man and His Dog Reunited After Being Hit by Drunk Driver

May 27, 2025

Man and His Dog Reunited After Being Hit by Drunk Driver

A man and his dog were reunited after being hit by a drunk driver. In a world that sometimes feels like it spins too fast, where heartbreak and headlines blur together in harshness, we pause today for a moment so tender it’ll catch in your throat and bloom right into your chest.

Because love—real love—walks on four legs, wears a wagging tail, and never leaves your side.

Two Days Earlier, The Man and His Dog Were Hit By a Drunk Driver

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On a quiet Thursday in California, a man named Miles Heagy wrapped his arms around his dog, Rowdy, after surviving what should’ve been a fatal accident. The moment was more than a reunion. It was a kind of resurrection, where sorrow meets mercy and grace gently kisses grief. It’s where man’s best friend always shows up. It’s greater than any Lassie show rerun.

Just two days earlier, tragedy struck. A driver, allegedly intoxicated, lost control and crashed through fencing along an overpass, colliding with Miles’ semi-truck. The force spun the truck violently and sent it toppling onto the driver’s side, crushing metal and bending time.

Both Man and Dog Survived

Miraculously, both Miles and Rowdy survived.

“He goes everywhere with me,” Miles said, his voice cracking just a little. “I got him when he was a little, little guy.”

That little guy, his constant companion, was pulled from the wreckage and taken to Haven Humane Society while Miles was rushed to Mercy Medical Center. For the first time in years, they were apart—and the ache in Miles' chest wasn’t just from broken ribs or bruises.

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Miles' Fiancée Drove Ten Hours To See Them

It was from missing his best friend.

Debbie Dawson, Miles’ fiancée, drove ten hours through rain and worry from Washington. Her sister drove most of the way while Debbie sat in the passenger seat, eyes brimming and voice cracking under the weight of “what if.”

“I cried most of the way here,” she whispered. “I didn’t calm down until I talked to him at the hospital.”

Even after seeing him alive, the weight hadn’t fully lifted.

Thursday Brought Healing

“He was so sad yesterday when I said, ‘No, we’re gonna rest tonight,’” she shared. “We missed Rowdy absolutely.”

But Thursday morning brought healing.

At Haven Humane, Miles and Rowdy were finally reunited—and not a single eye in the building was dry. There were tail wags, nuzzles, and happy whimpers that sounded like gratitude.

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They Both Had Bruised Eyes

Rowdy sported a bruised eye that mirrored Miles’, as if the two had worn matching badges of survival.

The team at Haven Humane—true angels in disguise—provided food, water, a collar, leash, and full medical care at no cost.

Even sweeter, the family got to meet the animal control officer who had rescued Rowdy that night from the twisted steel and chaos.

Miles and Rowdy Begin Their Recovery Journey

And isn’t that what grace looks like? People showing up in your worst moments to love what you love until you can love it again.

Miles and Rowdy now begin their recovery journey—both battered, but not broken. Both grateful.

“He’s my buddy,” Miles said simply, reaching to stroke Rowdy’s head, both of them leaning in with a comfort no words could capture.

Real Love Shows Up

Because real love doesn’t need many words.

Real love just shows up. And stays.

And when it’s finally reunited—even after storms and wreckage and long nights of waiting—it looks like heaven on earth.

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“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

WATCH: Man and His Dog Reunited After Being Hit by Drunk Driver

LISTEN: She Was Going to Miss Prom After Breaking Her Back, Hospital Had Plans | Man Jumps Into Water to Save Woman Attacked By Shark

h/t: KRCR News Channel 7

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/KRCR News Channel 7


Heather Riggleman is a believer, wife, mom, author, social media consultant, and full-time writer. She lives in Minden, Nebraska with her kids, high school sweetheart, and three cats who are her entourage around the homestead. She is a former award-winning journalist with over 2,000 articles published. She is full of grace and grit, raw honesty, and truly believes tacos can solve just about any situation. You can find her on GodUpdates, iBelieve, Crosswalk, Hello Darling, Focus On The Family, and in Brio Magazine. Connect with her at www.HeatherRiggleman.com or on Facebook.  



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