In an unusual scene caught on camera, a senior pup was found clinging to a partially submerged shopping cart in an Arizona canal before some good humans came to the rescue.
In June, a 10-year-old Chihuahua mix, later named Dorothea, was spotted half-floating through canal water in Phoenix. Looking soaked and tired, Dorothea was seen resting her head on a makeshift raft created by an old, mostly sunken shopping cart covered in greenery washed up by the canal.
When a good samaritan spotted her predicament, they contacted the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) to get the senior dog some help. An AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technician named Hunter Stribling responded to the call alongside the Phoenix Fire Department, the humane society said in a press release.
With fears for Dorothea’s survival mounting, rescuers quickly crafted a plan. Using a ladder, responders climbed into the canal and lassoed her with an animal control pole, pulling her onto dry land. Besides looking a bit startled when her new friends finally managed to nab her, Dorothea was “all tail wags” when she finally returned to shore, said AHS.
It’s unknown how she ended up in the canal or how long she was there. When assessed on AHS’s Pet Ambulance, she was found to be dehydrated, hungry, covered in ticks and “a bit stinky from the canal water.”
Once at AHS’ Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital, a more thorough exam found that besides minor injuries and dental issues, Dorothea was otherwise in pretty good health.
After receiving some dental care for a few fractured teeth, the senior pup spent about a month at AHS’s shelter, receiving medical care, a spa day, and coming out of her shell to show her “sweet” and “loving” personality.
Described by the shelter as loving cuddles and attention from people, it’s no surprise that Dorothea quickly found a forever home with a family in the nearby town of Youngtown, Arizona.
According to AHS, the humane society rescues and cares for over 22,000 animals per year, with Dorothea being just one such story of resilience and survival. Those looking for more information on the work AHS does and how to help can visit its website at azhumane.org.
