“One wrong move, and it wouldn’t be safe for either of us …”
Recently, a driver in Los Angeles, California, was exiting the highway when they spotted a pair of pointed black ears peeking out from the bushes alongside the ramp. The ears bore a resemblance to those of a coyote, a common sight in California. However, when the animal raised her head moments later, it became clear she was no wild creature.
The dog, a black German shepherd mix, looked back at the passing vehicles with an expression of despair and hopelessness. In her few weeks living there, most cars had sped by without stopping, but this driver was determined not to overlook her. They quickly shared her location on social media, prompting a group of local dog enthusiasts to rush to her aid.
“Everyone came out trying to get her,” wrote Suzette Hall, founder of Logan’s Legacy 29, on Facebook. Unfortunately, the well-meaning rescue attempts startled the dog, causing her to flee from her place on the exit ramp for the first time in weeks. The following day, news of a serious traffic accident on the highway left the rescuers anxious.
“There was a bad accident on the freeway, and we held our breaths that she had not been killed,” Hall shared. “We were also worried she could have fallen into the wrong hands. Both the North and South exits were closed for several days.” Hall remained in touch with neighbors, hoping the dog would return safely to her spot. A few days later, she received an exhilarating text.
“This morning, I got a message that she was back,” Hall excitedly wrote. “I raced up there.”
Upon reaching the exit ramp, Hall discovered the sweet shepherd curled up in her familiar resting place. Not wanting to frighten the pup again, but aware of the danger posed by the speeding cars, Hall knew she had to act swiftly.
“It was incredibly dangerous for both of us,” Hall recounted. “I literally had to dodge cars to reach her with my large trap. I was terrified, but I knew she was scared, too. One wrong move could have put us both in danger.” Hall set her trap and waited from a distance. When she checked back, she was overjoyed to find the trap securely closed with the dog inside.
“This sweet baby girl was safe in my trap,” Hall exclaimed. “I cried tears of joy.” She carefully loaded the dog into her car and headed straight to Camino Pet Hospital for a much-needed checkup. On the way, Hall thought of a fitting name for the resilient pup.
“We named her Miracle because she truly is one,” Hall told The Dodo. “She’s still quite scared of the world, but we’re determined to help her find happiness again.” Miracle eventually received a clean bill of health and was ready to go home with her new foster mom, Jeanette. While still searching for her forever home, she is already thriving in her new life, far from the busy highway she once called home.
“The fast cars and sounds of the freeway are now behind her,” Hall reflected. “The lonely nights, worries, and fears are part of her past. Tonight, she’s safe with her foster mom, finally able to sleep peacefully.”