A dog trapped in a dense cactus patch in Bonita spent several days without food or water before San Diego County Animal Services officers pulled it free Thursday, leaving the animal covered in painful thorns that shelter staff later had to remove from its body and mouth.
The rescue unfolded during a field operation when a county animal services officer and a trainee worked to extricate the dog from thick cactus brush, according to 10News.com. The dog had reportedly gone without food or water for several days while stuck in the brush, leaving it weak by the time help arrived.
Once freed, the dog was transported to South County Animal Shelter in Bonita, where veterinary staff began the delicate work of removing numerous cactus spines embedded in its body and mouth. Despite the ordeal, officials said the dog remained gentle and well-behaved throughout treatment.
Dog Now Recovering at South County Shelter
As of Friday, the dog was resting comfortably at the shelter while receiving veterinary care, nutrition and ongoing monitoring, per the same account from officials. The report did not specify the dog's breed, age or ownership status, and those details remain unknown.
Cactus-related animal rescues, while less common than other field calls, aren't unheard of. In 2012, a puppy nicknamed Cholla was put up for adoption after being found covered in cactus needles, a reminder that thorny encounters can leave animals in rough shape even when the outcome turns hopeful.
A Pattern of Officers Stepping In
Animal rescues that hinge on a first responder's quick action have made headlines elsewhere too. In Gardena, a police officer found a puppy whimpering inside a self-compacting trash can and went on to adopt the dog himself, an incident detailed by KTLA. A similar account of that rescue was also reported by ABC7.
No information has been released about the Bonita dog's exact location within the cactus patch, how long it may have been stranded, or the circumstances that led it there. It also remains unclear whether the dog will be available for adoption or reunited with an owner, as no further outcome has been confirmed beyond its current recovery at the shelter.
