On October 5, in Miami, Florida, Rocky, a small terrier-mix, was hit by a car just outside his pet parent’s home. In addition to causing cuts and scrapes, the trauma caused Rocky’s left eye to pop out of its socket.

Maria R., Rocky’s pet parent, has owned the 18-month-old pooch since he was a puppy. She brought him immediately to the ASPCA Community Veterinary Center (CVC) in Miami, located in the Liberty City area, which she heard about through a family friend. 

Maria, who is unemployed, lives with her parents and qualified for financial help from the ASPCA. Rocky is the family’s only pet.

The ASPCA medical team assessed Rocky and determined he was a good candidate for enucleation, or eye removal. They also suspected lung contusions. During the 25-minute procedure, Rocky was also neutered. 

“Despite his severe eye condition, Rocky was incredibly sweet,” says Dr. Matthew Toscano, the Veterinary Staff Manager who performed Rocky’s surgery. 

At his recheck two weeks later, Rocky’s sutures were removed without incident, and he recovered from his contusions.

Dr. Toscano says the CVC team routinely sees animals who were hit by cars. Rocky quickly recovered from his enucleation.

“He is now the happiest little pirate,” says Marlee Cea, Client Operations Manager. 

Rocky before his operation.

The Miami CVC opened on October 31, 2019, making an immediate impact on pets and people in the area. Since then, more than 24,000 people have visited for primary pet care.

“Local residents had virtually no options for accessible, affordable veterinary care for their pets,” says Sandra Halaby-Soyer, Director of Miami Operations, ASPCA Community Medicine. “This area was long under-resourced.”

Featuring a staff that speaks English, Spanish, Creole-Haitian and Portuguese, the CVC offers partially and fully subsidized basic and preventive care to pets in Miami-Dade County, including the Liberty City area—a community of 80,000 residents living in 25,000 households.

Sandra says response to the CVC has been positive.

“It’s been amazing to watch develop,” she says. “As we became embedded in the community, we built positive relationships. Now, clients drop off pastries to express their gratitude for the care we provide. They want what’s best for their pets.”

Veronica Taylor, Director of Nursing for Community Medicine’s Eastern Region, which includes Miami, adds that clients often make return visits.

“People trust us with their pets and feel respected by our staff,” she says. “We know a lot of clients on a first-name basis.”

“Our vaccine events are like mini-reunions,” adds Sandra. “Whether people return for rechecks or boosters, this tells us that there’s a strong need, and we’re meeting it.”

“Our goal is to continue to improve the health and welfare of animals, keeping them with the families who love them,” Sandra says. “By doing so, we’re also creating a healthier community.”

That community includes Rocky, who received the help he needed, when he needed it.

“The staff worked quickly and was very professional,” Maria says. “I’m so grateful. Thanks to the ASPCA, Rocky is doing well and is back to his old self. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”