VAN ALSTYNE, TX - Statistics show that for every animal rescued two more have to be euthanized due to overcrowding in shelters or poor health. But one Van Alstyne woman is working hard to change all that through her own rescue efforts, and one special dog in particular.

Anita Armstrong is a local business woman, but she’s also an avid animal advocate. She has been working with animal rescue groups for years, and now on her own she tries to do her part. And luckily, one night while driving down Highway 82, she saw a wounded animal on the side of the road, so she stopped to help.

"There were lots and lots of prayers within 30 minutes of finding her to please pray for this dog because she is so broken,” said Anita. “And they were all answered, so it was that night she was named mercy."

When Anita found the Great Dane puppy mix lying in the mud on the side of the highway both of her back legs and pelvis were badly broken. The vet told her she probably wouldn't make it.

"She has been amazing, I think she's taught a lot of us ‘don’t give up,’” said Anita.

And Anita didn't give up on Mercy either, saying she knew no matter how bad Mercy was, she couldn’t put her down. She took her to an emergency veterinarian in Grayson County, and then a special treatment center in Plano.

"I knew the dog had landed in the right place; that she was going to get the help it needed,” said her good friend and fellow animal rescuer, Kathy McVean.

That help wasn't easy either, and Anita has paid roughly $9,000 of her own money on medical costs. But weeks later, after extensive surgery, almost all of Mercy's rear end is metal plates. But amazingly she’s walking again.

"She is a miracle dog, absolutely she is. I mean the way Anita found her in the ditch, it’s amazing,” said Kathy.

But Anita and Kathy, who also works for rescue group Paws in the City, said there are countless stories just like Mercy's that don't have a happy ending.

"These babies have no voice, and they need all of us to be their guardian,” said Anita.

They said one of the best ways to help is have your pets spayed and neutered, and always give them the care they deserve.

"They need help just like anything else and we need to step in when they need help,” said Kathy.

And while Anita can't keep Mercy forever, she knows this puppy will give someone else the love that Mercy has shown her.

"She has 14 years to give someone more joy than they can ever imagine, so that's what we're looking for, for someone to love her,” said Anita.

“Paws in the City” is assisting in the adoption of Mercy, along with many other rescued dogs and cats. For more information, go to their website: www.pawsinthecity.org.

There has also been an account to help out with Mercy’s high medical bills. It’s set up as the “Friends of Mercy” account at Wells Fargo Bank.