After being missing for more than 30 days, Teddy, a white poodle in Southern California, was found alive in a deep storm drain in Spring Valley and pulled to safety by animal services officers.
According to Times of San Diego, that rescue ended with Teddy being returned to the owner who had spent a month trying to find her.
Here's what to know
To reach Teddy, an animal control officer went down through a storm-drain access point, used treats to bring the small dog within reach, wrapped her in a towel, and passed her up to another officer, per the outlet.
The County of San Diego shared video of the rescue on its YouTube account (@countysandiego).
Officers had been sent to the 600 block of Felicita Avenue after a report of a small dog stuck in the drain, Times of San Diego reported. Teddy was trapped too deep inside the pipe to get out on her own.
At the Bonita animal shelter on Sweetwater Road, staff cleaned and fed Teddy before scanning her for a microchip.
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"Shelter staff said she appeared underweight, very hungry and had a dirty coat, suggesting she may have been lost for some time," the county noted, per the outlet.
The search ended when Teddy's owner, who had continued to look for her and post fliers, came to the shelter, as Times of San Diego noted. After staff confirmed the dog was hers, they were reunited, and the dog began "wagging her tail and howling with joy," officials recounted, per the outlet.
More background
Missing animals do not always stay close to the place where they disappeared. A dog that slips away can end up in traffic, unfamiliar neighborhoods, or infrastructure such as drainage systems, where visibility is low, and escape can be nearly impossible without help.
Storm drains are especially perilous to pets and can lead to long disappearances. As is often the case, a successful rescue begins with a passerby noticing a small animal in distress, and choosing not to just keep going about their day.
Being underweight, hungry, and dirty after more than 30 days away from home suggests that even small dogs that survive on their own can deteriorate quickly. That's why notifying the right people is so important.
Rescue also involves food, cleaning, medical assessment, and a safe place to recover.
What can be done?
Microchips and up-to-date registration information can help shelters and animal control identify found pets that cannot be immediately identified by tags or local recognition.
Visible ID tags can also speed a return without requiring a shelter visit. Secure fencing, leashes, and close supervision during walks or outdoor time can reduce the chances that a pet will wander into a dangerous area.
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