Calif. Woman Watches 3 of Her Dogs Die, Including Her Service Dog, After Truck Hits Her While Walking

A devastating accident on July 1 has left a Roseville, California woman mourning the loss of three beloved dogs, including her service animal. Linda Sekany, who has dedicated much of her life to animal care and rescue, was struck by a truck while walking her dogs. The incident has prompted friends to launch a GoFundMe campaign to assist Sekany with veterinary costs and the search for a new service dog.

The tragic event took place during an ordinary walk for Sekany and her pets—Jersey, Dugan, Lafter, and Karat. Sekany described how she believed the driver of the truck was waiting for her to cross the road, only for the vehicle to unexpectedly accelerate into them. “I looked at this truck. He was stopped, and I’m like, ‘Good. He’s waiting for us to cross, which is the appropriate thing to do,’” she recounted. “The next thing I know, he pulled out and just ran over us.”

Sekany’s service dog, Jersey, was particularly significant to her, acting as her “ability to function in the world.” Following the accident, Jersey suffered severe injuries, including a crushed pelvis; Sekany faced the excruciating choice of having him euthanised. Tragically, Dugan did not survive the crash, suffering a cardiac arrest on the scene. Lafter and Karat managed to survive the initial ordeal, but Lafter later required hospitalisation.

Despite having no major physical injuries from the collision, Sekany expressed her emotional devastation. “They are my life,” she shared. “I live my life for these dogs. In one fell swoop, my family is gone.” As a woman who is deaf, Sekany relied heavily on Jersey for assistance, including alerting her to alarms and other crucial dangers that might go unnoticed.

In response to the accident, Sekany’s friends established a GoFundMe to help with expenses related to veterinary care for Karat and to support Sekany in finding a new service dog. The campaign highlights her extensive volunteer work with service dog organisations and her commitment to helping others, stating that “anyone who knows Linda knows that she would never ask for help.”

The description of the fundraiser emphasises Sekany’s selflessness, noting her tendency to support others before considering her own needs. “Right now, we want Linda to be able to focus on healing, grieving, and caring for her dogs—not worrying about the significant veterinary expenses ahead,” it states. The campaign had a target of £50,000, and as of mid-July, it had already exceeded £60,000, reflecting the community’s compassion and support for Sekany during her time of grief.

The driver of the truck has been described as cooperating with emergency services at the scene of the incident. However, as of now, it remains unclear whether the police are pursuing an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

While Sekany grapples with her heartbreaking loss and the search for a new service dog—an endeavour she mentioned could take years—she is grateful for the support that has emerged from her community. “She has poured countless hours, endless compassion, and an open heart into improving the lives of both people and dogs,” the fundraiser notes, acknowledging Sekany’s significant contributions to animal welfare.

As Sekany begins the long journey of healing, both physical and emotional, she continues to cherish the memory of her three dogs and the impact they had on her life. The heartfelt efforts of her friends and the greater Roseville community will undoubtedly play a significant role in aiding her recovery process in the challenging times ahead.