With a new baby on the way and a new Plant City restaurant opening next month, it is safe to say restaurateurs Michael and Simone Tolley have full plates.
But, that isn’t stopping them from helping a furry friend in need.
The couple, owners of Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse, has spearheaded a campaign to help a dog that was hit by a car July 13, on State Road 60. Together with The Brethren of St. Francis Animal Rescue, the Tolleys will host the Emergency Care Fundraiser for Bella at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, at Harley-Davidson of Brandon, 9841 Adamo Drive. The event will include live music, a silent auction, bike wash and more.
“We really need to keep people aware of her so that she can get money for her surgery,” Michael said. “I sure feel good knowing she has a chance.”
It was about 10:30 p.m. July 13, when Michael got an alarming call from Simone. She had just left Uncle Mike’s, in Brandon, and was heading home to Plant City.
That’s when her heart broke.
As she drove on State Road 60, she saw the car in front of her hit a dog. The dog was catapulted into a ditch. The driver didn’t stop.
“She’s eight months pregnant, so she was hysterical,” Michael said of his wife.
Simone begged him to look for the dog on his way home from the restaurant. When Michael left the restaurant at about 2 a.m., he expected to find the body of the dog.
He drove the area, circling around trying to spot the body. But, just as he was about to give up, he saw the dog.
Tromping through the brush, Michael’s flashlight hit the dog, still alive. She lifted her head toward him and, amazingly, let Michael pick her up.
He rushed her to an all-night veterinary clinic, where doctors evaluated the matted ball of fur. At first, they thought she had head trauma and would have to be put down. But after further inspection, they realized they could save her with surgery. The price: $4,000.
The Tolleys took to Facebook and posted photos of the dog, whom the staff at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners named “Bella.”
“The biggest concern right now is to raise money for her surgery,” Michael said.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
Emergency Care Fundraiser for Bella
WHEN: 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4
WHERE: Harley-Davidson of Brandon, 9841 Adamo Drive
COST: $5 voluntary donation at gate
DETAILS: The event will include live music, a silent auction, bike wash and more.
HOW TO HELP
If you can’t make it to Sunday’s event, anyone interested in donating to help with medical costs can call Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, (813) 571-3303. Reference Bella of The Brethren of St. Francis.
