Michelle Tepley says adopting Billie has been a blessing in her life.
But it’s not been all happy days for the pair before and after Tepley adopted the AKC-registered Italian Greyhound in July 2025.
“When I got her, Billie was timid and shy, scared of all sounds and quick movements,” Tepley said. “It appeared that she had little or no interaction with home life or normal inside and outside sounds.”
Prior to the adoption underwent a number of medical procedures. She had surgery on a congenital dislocated right hip, was bred and delivered two puppies by C-section, and had a dental procedure where she lost several teeth.
It was another medical procedure that brought Billie and Tepley to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital at Iowa State University.
“Billie and I were out on my above-ground deck while I was grilling,” Tepley said. “By accident, Billie launched herself through a railing. She didn’t fall straight down and when she landed, she immediately started screaming in pain.”
A trip to a local emergency veterinary clinic confirmed Billie had broken bones in both front legs. The Greyhound was then referred to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital.
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I felt so guilty about what happened to Billie after only having her two months,” Tepley said, “and it was difficult to leave her that night in the ICU.”
The next-day surgery at Iowa State placed plates and screws in both legs.
“It was a blessing the Iowa State surgeons could help her live a normal life,” Tepley said. “Billie has never missed a beat following her surgery. As stiff as her legs were with the splints and bandages, she walked as if nothing was different.
“She now has the ability to walk and run freely again.”
One day after her surgery, Billie was released from the hospital and returned home with those splints and bandages that prevented any joint movements in both front legs.
That was a good day for Billie and Tepley. The same can be said for the next day.
“I received an email stating that Billie qualified for Iron Dog funding,” Tepley said. “This was truly a blessing since I’m on a fixed income.”
The ISU Iron Dog Fund assists qualifying owners paying a portion of the medical bill. The fund supports the medical and surgical treatments of animals hospitalized at Iowa State in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. It is used when the increasing cost of veterinary care and economic conditions can force owners to make difficult decisions based on financial constraints.
Tepley applied for Iron Dog funding during Billie’s initial treatment. Subsequent fundraisers have also contributed to providing Billie’s follow-up care.
“The care from everyone involved in Billie’s treatment at Iowa State was exceptional,” Tepley said. “Each week, we took her to Ames for dressing changes and wound care. The staff were outstanding in their attitude and helpfulness.”
February 2026
Billie is just one example of how the ISU Iron Dog Fund can assist animal owners in need. Funding is made possible through contributions from generous donors. Individuals wishing to contribute to the Iron Dog Fund to assist patients like Billie can find additional information online.