In what can only be described as a dog day afternoon, a Detroit-area woman was thrown into a panic after her dog bolted from the scene of a minor car crash. Melissa Fickle and her pit bull mix Aries found themselves in an accident at 14 Mile and Rochester Road, per FOX 2 Detroit. This terrifying incident led Aries to take matters into her own paws – she ran nearly a mile to Hounds Town, a familiar doggy daycare and groomer.
Fickle recounted to PEOPLE, "I had the windows down because Aries likes to hang her head out. As soon as there was that smack, as soon as I felt and heard it, almost instantaneously, she was out the window." Her worst fear was that Aries could have dashed into traffic, or worse, vanished without a trace.
However, Aries' survival instincts kicked in. Security footage from Hounds Town captured the clever canine scratching and sniffing at the doors, desperate to enter the haven she knew so well. Owner Travis Ogden recognized the stranded pup right away. "I'm like 'is that Aries? It is Aries! I start giving all sorts of belly rubs, I’m getting kisses like crazy," he said in an interview obtained by FOX 2 Detroit. Ogden called Fickle to relay the joyous news that her furry friend was safe and sound, sporting only a small cut on her paw.
WXYZ Detroit 7 Action News reported how Ogden and the daycare staff provided shelter for Aries, while undoubtedly being the bearer, of good tidings to Fickle. Upon hearing the news, "I literally crouched down on the ground, I just had my head in my hands," Fickle told FOX 2 Detroit. Fickle's bond with Aries is a deep one, fostered since 2020 when she decided to turn the temporary arrangement into a permanent alliance. As a person who works from home, the duo has spent countless hours together, sharpening tricks and frequenting parks.
In the wake of the incident, Aries has not only proven her intelligence but demonstrated an intuitive understanding of her safety nets. For those who hear this tale, it’s a reminder of the profound bond between humans and their canine companions, and sometimes, in the face of chaos, a dog knows exactly where to go to feel at home. Fickle was relieved and beyond grateful to have Aries back by her side, a smart dog whose actions could very well prompt smiles and nods from pet lovers everywhere.
