So, what’s the story behind the outline of a little dog in a tutu on one of the UC Davis veterinary school’s 75th anniversary logos? Meet Dolce, a 7-year-old Pomeranian-mix princess. But this sweet girl didn’t always live the pampered life.

Dolce was found scared, cold and in pain on a January morning in 2019 on the side of a road in Solano County in Northern California. She had been hit by a car, causing several fractures to her fragile, five-pound body. She was taken to the Solano County Animal Shelter, but no one came to claim her and she had no tags or microchip. She was transferred to the Yolo County SPCA and referred to the UC Davis Fracture Program.

Thanks to the partnership of Nestlé Purina PetCare, the UC Davis Fracture Program works closely with 501c3 rescue organizations to identify dogs and cats who can benefit from surgery to repair their broken limbs, making a big difference in the lives of these animals.

Dolce was fortunate. Aside from the multiple breaks on the hind part of her body, she did not have any other major medical problems. A collaborative team successfully repaired fractures in Dolce’s pelvis and right hind leg. She was discharged the next day and went to a foster home for recovery.

It wasn’t long before Dolce caught the attention of Debbie Wilson, the school’s executive director of Development, with her big brown eyes and sweet temperament. It was love at first sight for both of them.

To help Dolce make a complete recovery, Debbie brought her for regular appointments to the hospital’s Integrative Medicine Service, which provides acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, physical rehabilitation and TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. She also visited the Nutrition Service where she was evaluated and put on Nestle Purina Joint Maintenance Specialty diet. 

Dolce now has a spring in her step and enjoys the life of a princess. She always has a wagging tail and a sparkle in her eyes, replacing the looks of fear and pain. Her biggest worry these days is deciding which of her 85 color-coordinated outfits (often with tutus!) to wear with her crystal collars.