How a Good Samaritan’s Tip Saved a Dog’s Life

Before Saturday night, Christina Summitt didn't know how she would be able to afford her dog Tucker's surgery. The 37-year-old bartender was working three jobs, but still struggled financially, and Tucker immediately needed an operation. She found herself sharing her pet story with a nice couple she was serving at the Holiday Inn in Clinton, NJ.

CAPTION HERE
CAPTION HERE

Then, fortune turned in her favor. After hearing about her puppy, the couple left Summitt a $1,000 tip on an $80 bill, with instructions to put the money only toward the vet.

Summitt was hysterical.

"I hugged the couple with every bit of love I have on my body," she tells the Good News Blog. "My sister was also bartending and I grabbed her like I would grab somebody who was about to fall off a building."

For Summitt, Tucker is a close member of the family, like a child, thus she was blown away by the gesture. Summitt is a stepmother to her husband Eric's three children from a previous marriage, and the couple also has another dog, two cats, and chickens. In addition to working at the bar on weekends, Summit is a full-time chef at the hotel, and picks up hours at a local deli when she finds the time.

She also volunteers 40 hours a week with a pit bull rescue center.

"I feel like God has chosen me to be the voice of animals," Summitt comments. "They love me no matter what. Whether, I'm in the shower, no makeup, whatever, they give me kisses… sometimes I get home late at night and they're all I have."

About a week ago, Summitt found out Tucker was sick and needed an X-ray. Already, she was concerned about the costs, and when she discovered he also needed surgery, she considered selling her car or wedding ring to pay for the operation. A typical surgery runs anywhere between $1,800 and $2,700, she notes, and Tucker specifically needed a biopsy done to determine why he was ill.

After receiving the generous tip, Summitt was so relieved, she posted a photo of it online along with her story, and received thousands of responses from strangers.

CAPTION HERE
CAPTION HERE

"I was overwhelmed because they don't even know my pet, but they know that I love my pet and they love their pets," she says.

Fortunately, Tucker made it through the surgery, and is now healing at home. He's on a strict diet and is taking medication.

As for the Good Samaritans who contributed to her dog's recovery, Summitt is eternally grateful and has updated them on Tucker's progress. The couple prefers to remain anonymous, though they did exchange information with Summitt.

She remarks, "I would have done the same for them, even if I could have only given $5."