If not for the quick actions of an AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technician™ (EAMT™) and the Phoenix Fire Department, Dorothea would have little to no chance of survival.
On June 16, 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. Knowing time was of the essence, AHS EAMT™ Hunter Stribling, along with the help of Phoenix Fire, arrived on scene and quickly devised a plan to save the pup. 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.
Photos and video of the rescue, as well as Dorothea in her forever home, can be found here.
Scared but open to receiving help, Dorothea was given a quick medical assessment on AHS’ Pet Ambulance where she was found to be dehydrated, hungry, covered in ticks and a bit stinky from the canal water. The senior pup was then rushed to our Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital where veterinarians gave her a more thorough exam.
Thankfully, Dorothea was found to only have minor injuries and in need of some dental work to remove a couple of fractured teeth but was in otherwise great health given the circumstances. 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.
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. Thanks to the support of the community to save pets just like her, Dorothea is now living her best life with her forever family in Youngtown, Arizona.