Dorothea’s story recently left Phoenix residents shocked to their core.

This 10-year-old Chi mix somehow ended up stranded on a shopping cart in a dangerous canal, exhausted and barely clinging to life.

Shocked, scared, and with no way out, the dog held onto the cart tightly, hoping for the best.
Fortunately, the Phoenix Fire Department and the Arizona Humane Society Field Team responded immediately to the call!

How Did She Get There

A random passerby was concerned when they spotted a mysterious “object” floating in the middle of the canal. Upon observing it closely, they realized it was breathing – and it wasn’t an object at all.

It was a dog, strangely trapped on a shopping cart with no one nearby to help her.

Dorothea, a senior Chi mix, instantly caught the passerby’s attention and they called for help and left the work to the experts. Soon enough, teams from the Arizona Humane Society and the Phoenix Fire Department arrived at the scene.

The shelter’s medical technician Hunter Stribling worked closely with another team to get Dorothea out as soon as possible. Given her unknown circumstances, both teams knew time was of the essence.

They used a ladder to reach the dog, who appeared to be frozen with fear.

Fortunately, the rescue mission yielded a positive outcome when Dorothea’s paws finally touched the ground. Stribling and his teammates couldn’t have been happier!

“Miracles do happen! 🥹🙏We are beyond grateful for the quick actions of our incredible Field Team and the Phoenix Fire Department who worked together to give this sweet pup a second chance at life,” Arizona Humane Society stated in an Instagram video.

Dorothea’s rescue story soon made headlines all over the country, showcasing the amazing work AHS does to help stray dogs in need. Dorothea, luckily, was one of them!

Adorable Twist

This senior pooch was immediately transferred to the hospital for a thorough check-up.

Aside from dehydration, ticks, and the stink of canal water, Dorothea ended up with a couple of fractured teeth but was generally in good health.

In no time, she joined her fellow companions in the AHS facility, acclimating to a new life in a safe environment. Despite her senior years, it took this sweet dog only a few days to dazzle everyone with how genuinely cute and lively her spirit was!

As soon as she underwent her treatment, Dorothea displayed a loving nature, warming the hearts of the entire team of rescuers.

“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,” AHS wrote in their website post.
Only days later, another exciting piece of news left Dorothea’s rescuers thrilled.

As it turned out, adopters reached out to the shelter, wanting to give Dorothea a loving home! Given her adorable nature and the fact that she makes an excellent companion, the AHS team couldn’t be more grateful to see her matched with a suitable family.
From now on, Dorothea will enjoy rolling in the grass, going on many walkies, and embarking on endless adventures next to her new family.

She finally gets to spend her golden years being cared for, far from the dangers of a mishap like the one in her recent past.

Happy life, Dorothea! You’re lucky to have AHS by your side!