Tiny Senior Dog Clings To Shopping Cart As Raging Water Surges In Canal
In a powerful reminder of the resilience of animals and the compassion of people, a senior Chihuahua mix named Dorthea was recently rescued from a perilous situation in an Arizona canal. Stranded atop an old shopping cart in the middle of rushing water, the small dog clung to the metal frame, her life hanging in the balance. The story, reported by The Dodo, has touched hearts across the country, illustrating both the vulnerability of abandoned pets and the extraordinary efforts of those who step in to help.
The incident began when a Good Samaritan was walking near the canal and noticed the shopping cart lodged in the current. Upon closer inspection, she realized that a small animal was desperately holding on. It was Dorthea, a senior dog who appeared to have been stranded for some time. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the bystander quickly contacted the Arizona Humane Society (AHS), who in turn reached out to the Phoenix Fire Department for assistance. The coordinated response that followed was nothing short of heroic.
Rescuing a dog from a canal is no simple task. The teams used a ladder and other specialized equipment to reach Dorthea, who was visibly frightened and exhausted. As they slowly maneuvered the cart closer to the canal’s edge, rescuers worked carefully to ensure her safety. Once they had her within reach, they gently lifted her to solid ground. According to AHS, Dorthea’s demeanor changed almost immediately once she realized she was safe. Her tail began to wag, a small but powerful sign of hope and trust returning.
I found this detail striking: even in her weakened state, Dorthea responded to kindness with joy. It speaks volumes about the spirit of animals and their ability to recover when given a chance.
After the rescue, Dorthea was transported in the AHS ambulance for an initial medical assessment. She was found to be dirty, malnourished, dehydrated, and covered in ticks—a clear indication that she had been struggling on her own for some time. Fortunately, she had no major injuries. She was then taken to the Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital, where she received a more thorough examination and the care she so desperately needed.
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