An elderly dog ​​who was discovered clinging for dear life to an overturned shopping cart in the middle of a canal has completed a remarkable turnaround.

Dorothea, the 10-year-old Chihuahua mix, might not be here today if it weren’t for the efforts of the staff at Arizona Humane Society (AHS) along with the AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technician (EAMT) and the Phoenix Fire Department.

It all started on June 16, when AHS dispatchers received a call from a passerby who had seen a distressed dog that was stranded in a canal.

How Dorothea had ended up in that position or how long she was in the canal is a mystery, but it was clear that she needed urgent help. AHS EAMT Hunter Stribling was dispatched and, along with the help of Phoenix Fire, arrived on the scene and quickly came up with a plan to save the pup.

Using a combination of a ladder and a variety of AHS rescue devices, they were able to get Dorothea to safety, and the older pup showed his understandable gratitude once they reached the safety of the shore.

The AHS shared images of the dramatic rescue of tiktok next to the legend “miracles happen.” However, saving Dorothea was just the beginning.

Understandably scared by the new attention she was receiving, Dorothea underwent a quick medical evaluation in the AHS Pet Ambulance.

An AHS spokesperson said news week: “She was found to be dehydrated, hungry, covered in ticks, and a little stinky from the canal water. The older pup was then rushed to AHS Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital, where veterinarians performed a checkup on her. more complete examination.

Although Dorothea was found to have only suffered minor injuries, some dental work was required as she had a couple of fractured teeth.

Eager to give her the best chance at making a full recovery and eventually being adopted, Dorothea stayed at the shelter for a month and even enjoyed a spa day with the AHS groomer, as well as constant hugs and attention from people.

like an older puppyHe faced a bigger challenge when it came to finding a forever family. An earlier study by the website Priceonomics, using adoption data from Petfinder, highlights the challenge: While 95 percent of puppies listed found homes, that proportion dropped to 68.2 percent among older dogs.

Dorothea was lucky that someone died that day and called AHS, but there was no luck at all about what happened next: She was adopted by a family from Youngtown, Arizona, who instantly fell in love with this incredibly brave and incredibly sweet canine.

He now looks forward to enjoying his final years in the comfort and security of a true forever home. The AHS spokesperson said, “Although it is unknown how long or why she was there in the canal, Dorothea’s incredible story highlights the lifesaving work the Arizona Humane Society is able to do by caring for nearly 22,000 pets each year.”