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The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) shares an “incredible story of resilience and survival” of a senior dog they rescued from a shopping cart in the middle of a canal back in June of this year.
The senior dog, a 10-year-old Chihuahua mix named Dorothea, was rescued on June 16 thanks to the joint effort of AHS and the Phoenix Fire Department.
“AHS Dispatchers were alerted to a dog in distress by a Good Samaritan who spotted her stuck in the middle of a canal laying on top of a shopping cart,” AHS wrote in a news release.
AHS explained, “By using a ladder and various AHS rescue devices to get her up to safety, the sweet senior pup was all tail wags when she was finally ashore.”
AHS also shared the video of Dorothea a few moments before she was rescued, which broke the hearts of many.
In the video, Dorothea can be seen on top of the shopping cart in the canal, looking dejected, like she lost all hope of ever getting rescued.
One Facebook user wrote, “Someone probably placed that sweet baby on there on purpose thinking it was funny and then couldn’t get him back. Poor baby.”
After her rescue, Dorothea received a medical assessment on AHS’ Pet Ambulance where they found that she is “dehydrated, hungry, covered in ticks and a bit stinky from the canal water.”
She also was immediately given food, water, and a much needed bath.
Furthermore, AHS shared that given the predicament they found her, she was in great health except for a few minor injuries, and some dental work for a few fractured teeth.
AHS reveals, “throughout her month of treatment at the shelter (including a spa day with AHS’ groomer) Dorothea was found to be a sweet, loving girl who enjoyed cuddles and attention from humans.”
After being found in a situation that the shelter described as having “little to no chance of survival”, Dorothea fully recovered, and is now living her best life with her forever family in Youngtown, Arizona.
Facebook users can’t help but be touched at how Dorothea took a 180 degree turn in life.
One user said, “Being older it makes me wonder if someone dumped her, I really hope not. Happy life beautiful Dorothea! You held onto hope and now have a beautiful life ahead.”
“That story warms my heart! Heroes one and all and thank you everyone for saving that sweet baby and happy new life to you sweet Dorothea,” another wrote.
Furthermore, AHS wrote, “Although it is unknown how long or why she was in the canal, Dorothea’s incredible story highlights the lifesaving work that the Arizona Humane Society is able to accomplish as it cares for almost 22,000 pets each year.”
