A senior dog who faced an uncertain fate in a Phoenix canal earlier this year has now trotted into a brighter chapter of her life with a new family in Youngtown. Dorothea, a 10-year-old Chihuahua mix, was found trapped atop a submerged shopping cart by a passerby in June. Drawing together the efforts of Phoenix's local heroes, a rescue operation unfolded that would see her lifted from dire straits to the comfort of a forever home.
According to AZFamily, the Arizona Humane Society and the Phoenix Fire Department were alerted and promptly arrived on the scene. After the initial discovery, the teams combined resources to secure Dorothea who was severely dehydrated, starving, and infested with ticks. Their actions reflected the community's deep-seated commitment to its non-human denizens, ensuring the pooch received the immediate attention requisite for her condition.
Following the rescue, Dorothea was transported to an animal hospital where she was given a thorough examination. It was there that veterinarians diagnosed her with a couple of fractured teeth which demanded extraction. After her medical woes were attended to, Dorothea was treated to what some might liken to a spa day, as reported by 12News. The aim was to bolster her spirits and prepare her for the next step—adoption.
"Although it is unknown how long or why she was there 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," the AHS said in a news release. With the backing of Phoenix's animal-loving community, Dorothea's tale turned from one of adversity to one of renewal and love. The dog is now settling into her new home, a testament to the compassion and action of those who stepped in when she needed it the most.
