Dog was stranded in canal with “no chance of survival” — rescue leads to a second chance

A senior dog was struggling stranded in the middle of a canal — but after being rescued and given some much-needed love and care, she now has an amazing new start ❤️

On June 16, a Good Samaritan spotted a heartbreaking sight: a distressed dog was stranded in the middle of a canal, her only lifeline a submerged shopping cart she was clinging onto.

With no time to lose, the Phoenix Fire Department rushed to the scene, along with Arizona Humane Society Emergency Animal Medical Technician Hunter Stribling. Together they formed a plan to use a ladder and AHS rescue devices to reach her.

In a press release, AHS wrote that the 10-year-old dog, now named Dorothea, “would have little to no chance of survival” if they had not rescued her in time. They also wrote that she was “scared but open to receiving help” but was “all tail wags” when brought to shore, no doubt grateful for her rescuers. It is unclear where Dorothea came from or how she ended up in that canal.

Dorothea was given a medical assessment by AHS vets: she was dehydrated, hungry and covered in ticks, but thankfully only had some minor injuries. She also required dental work to remove some fractured teeth: AHS wrote that she was “otherwise great health given the circumstances.”

Now safe and sound and getting the love and care she needs, the Arizona Humane Society said that Dorothea’s personality began to blossom.

“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,” the humane society wrote in a press release.

And now, Dorothea’s story has a happy ending: the rescue wrote that she has been adopted, and is now living her best life with a new family in Youngtown, Arizona. She will no doubt be enjoying her senior years in peace and happiness in her new forever home.

Dorothea went from being stranded in a canal with “no chance of survival” to having a cozy forever home — what an incredible story ❤️ Thank you to everyone who rescued her and gave her this sweet second chance.

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