Nebraska plow driver rescues lost dog during snowstorm

In the midst of a snowstorm with bitterly cold temperatures, Alan Jansa was working around the clock to plow the roads. “We were out trying to open up a couple of lanes that had drifted shut,” Alan Jansa said, highway supervisor with the Nebraska Department of Transportation. As he cleared Highway 77 in Mead, Nebraska, digging out stranded drivers — something unexpected emerged through the blowing snow. “I just happened to look up, and here comes a dog running,” he said. Jansa is used to rescuing those in need, but it's not every day one with four legs shows up. “I mean, it was cold. It was shivering. And I actually put it in my pickup,” Jansa said. He gave the dog some water and let him warm up while he finished his route. The mystery pup acted as his co-pilot while he narrowed down where he came from. “We had several cars that had been stranded, and we weren't sure if it had jumped out of one of the cars in the middle of the snowstorm or what the deal was,” he said. Without any identification and the nearest home about half a mile away, Jansa took the dog to Saunders County Lost Pets to reunite him with his owner. “So, he loves to run and explore. And we're, unfortunately, too close to the highway,” said Angie Siske. The lost dog's name is Hank. His owner, Angie Siske, said he's an adopted farm dog who is bred to herd cattle. Because of Hank's natural instinct for exploration, Siske said they keep him on a zip line, which helps him stay close to home. But the curious dog broke free. “He made it to our neighbor's, where we keep some of our other animals anyway. So, he just was over there, and someone saw him on the highway,” she said. Siske said he knows his way home but she's thankful Jansa and his crew were happy to keep Hank warm. “The fact that he got out to even check on a dog was very nice of him,” Siske said. But Siske said even in a blizzard, Hank's having the time of his life. Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7

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