One ordinary day in Phoenix, Arizona, a woman was bustling around her house, ticking off her daily to-dos, when a series of loud noises from outside grabbed her attention. Knowing her dogs’ barks and growls by heart, she immediately realized the sounds weren’t coming from them. Curious and a bit alarmed, she decided to check her yard’s security footage to see what—or who—was making such a racket.
Mystery Under the Car
What she saw on the screen was unexpected—a strange creature had made its way under her car. Intrigued, she watched, expecting it to emerge at any moment. When it didn’t, her curiosity turned into concern. She dashed outside to take a closer look, morphing into a makeshift mechanic as she peered under her limousine.
Source: AHS via The Dodo
An Unusual Situation
Under the car, the sight that greeted her was shocking. Peeking out from the engine was a dog’s leg. It was immediately clear to her: a dog had somehow gotten itself stuck in the mechanics of her vehicle. Unsure of how to handle such an odd predicament, she dialed the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) for professional help.
Swift Rescue
The response was quick. Jesus and McKenzie Dunnington, emergency animal medical technicians from AHS, arrived at the scene. They assessed the situation and got straight to work. The dog, later named Nova—after the ’67 Chevy Nova she was found in—was in a tight spot but fortunately not beyond rescue.
Freeing Nova
The rescue operation was delicate but swift. Within 15 minutes, the skilled team managed to liberate Nova from her unintended hideout. The team was accustomed to rescuing cats and kittens from similar predicaments but rescuing a full-grown dog like Nova was a first for them, as Kelsey Dickerson, a spokesperson for AHS, later recounted to The Dodo.
Post-Rescue Care
Once free, Nova’s personality shone through. She was silly, cheerful, and radiated positive energy, quickly making everyone fall in love with her. However, the seriousness of her situation necessitated a veterinary check-up. After a thorough examination, the vets concluded she was mostly fine, apart from some minor injuries—good news after such a harrowing experience.
Source: AHS via The Dodo
A Brighter Future Ahead
Nova’s ordeal ended on a hopeful note. After receiving treatment for minor wounds at AHS’s trauma hospital, she was ready to find her forever home. According to Kelsey, Nova was not only sweet and energetic but also incredibly loving and playful. She enjoyed walks and thrived on attention from anyone she met.
Seeking a New Home
Nova was now living at AHS’ South Mountain Campus, waiting for someone to adopt her. While she needed a home without cats or small animals—because, as the folks at AHS joked, “Dogs rule!”—her affectionate nature made her a perfect companion for a loving family.
A New Chapter
The incident that initially seemed like a potential disaster turned out to be the beginning of a new life for Nova. Although she had accidentally “crashed” into a car engine, it ultimately led her to a path of recovery and hope. The team at AHS, familiar with many rescue stories, was confident that Nova’s story would have a happy ending.
The Importance of Rescue Organizations
This story highlights the crucial role of animal rescue organizations like the Arizona Humane Society. Without their prompt response and expert care, situations like Nova’s could end very differently. They not only save animals in distress but also provide them with a second chance at life, ensuring that each rescue story, as dramatic as it may be, has the potential for a joyful conclusion.
In the end, every rescue story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the compassion of those who dedicate their lives to saving them. Nova’s journey from a precarious spot under a car to a hopeful future is just one of many tales of survival and new beginnings. It’s a reminder of the importance of compassion and the difference that each of us can make in the lives of animals in need.
