A painful rescue in Bonita involved a dog, a cactus patch, and San Diego County Animal Services.
Here's what to know
On September 16, 2026, San Diego County Animal Services Officer Morris and a trainee rescued a dog stuck in heavy cactus brush by going into the patch themselves, according to NBC San Diego. The dog was eventually freed with cactus spines covering him from head to toe.
San Diego County shared details of the rescue, including a video, in a September 17 post on X. The officers acted "without hesitation" as the county wrote, "Officer Morris and his trainee pushed through the needles right along with him to get him out safely."
Our animal control officers didn't hesitate to wade straight into a cactus patch in Bonita to reach a dog who was trapped and covered in cactus spines. Officer Morris and his trainee pushed through the needles right along with him to get him out safely. The dog was taken to our Bonita Shelter, where veterinary staff carefully removed the cactus spines from his body and mouth and started him on much‑needed care. He likely hadn't eaten in several days, but he never stopped being a good boy.
— SanDiegoCounty (@SanDiegoCounty) September 17, 2026
NBC San Diego reported that the dog was taken to the South County Animal Shelter in Bonita for an emergency evaluation where the veterinary staff had to remove several spines from his body and mouth.
The shelter's medical staff said the dog had apparently gone several days without food or water before being found.
Despite what the county described as severe pain and trauma, the dog remained gentle and well-behaved while workers removed the cactus spines.
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The county said the dog is now recuperating at the shelter while continuing to receive veterinary care, nourishment, and monitoring.
Where can I learn more?
Here are a few other stories involving furry canines, from rattlesnake bites to shelter recoveries and wildfires.
• On a California hike, a husky mix needed 2 vials of antivenom after a rattlesnake bite.
• After arriving at a shelter, a dog with a major wound hidden beneath duct tape is now training to comfort children.
• At a purported California no-kill shelter, investigators found remains of 117 dogs.
• In Los Angeles, specialists and K9 heroes search wildfire wreckage for victims after devastating fires.
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