Pup That Stepped on Cactus Spine Survives by Having Leg Amputated: 'He Was Going to Be Euthanized'

Earlier this year, a young wheaten terrier was living his life in Arizona with his family. One of the well-known dangers of the area (besides snakes and heat) is cacti.

Somehow, the pup managed to get a cactus needle embedded in his foot, and it ended up nearly killing him.

“I stepped on a cactus needle and for whatever reason, it was not adequately cared for and became infected,” a post on the pup’s Instagram reads. “I developed a blood clot and unfortunately my leg cannot be saved.”

The owners, faced with a hefty vet bill of over $12,000 and extensive care for the injured dog, had two choices if they couldn’t foot the bill themselves: surrender him in the hopes that a group who could pay for the needed medical attention would select him, or have him humanely euthanized.

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They chose to surrender their pup, and thankfully Wheatens In Need rescue came to his aid.

“I was dangerously close to being euthanized today when WIN stepped in and assumed responsibility for my medical bills,” the Instagram post continued. “My leg was amputated tonight and when I’m well enough to be discharged from the clinic I will go to a foster home to continue recuperating.”