Army Nurse Saves Puppy Crawling Through South Korea Traffic

Capt. Angelique Matusz and her husband were driving near Camp Humphreys, South Korea, when they spotted something small moving in traffic on January 4. They pulled over and found a three-month-old puppy bleeding and crying, using her back legs to crawl but accidentally kicking herself back into the road.

Matusz, an intensive care nurse with the 150th Medical Detachment, switched into emergency mode. She checked the puppy's breathing, looked for major bleeding, and kept her still while planning their next move.

The puppy couldn't stand and appeared to have multiple broken legs. "If we left her there, we were basically condemning her to death," said her husband, 1st Sgt. Patrick Piché.

They rushed the puppy to a nearby veterinary clinic, where imaging revealed severe injuries requiring surgery. Veterinarians also discovered the dog was dehydrated and malnourished from living on the streets.

The couple named her Luna and faced a $3,400 medical bill. They partnered with Rebel Rescue, a local animal rescue group, to launch a GoFundMe campaign.

Sunny's Take

Within 24 hours, strangers had donated thousands of dollars. By Tuesday, the campaign had raised nearly $3,700, exceeding the surgery costs.

"It was overwhelming to see how many people wanted to help," Matusz said. Luna is now recovering at the couple's home while they search for her permanent family.

Several people have already expressed interest in adopting her. Piché hopes Luna's story reminds others that one person's choice can change everything.

"People think someone else will step in," he said. "Sometimes you're the only one there, and that choice matters."

Matusz put it simply: "Do the right thing. You never know whose life depends on it."