Some things truly happen for a reason.
When a man went out for his usual jog along Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California, he never imagined that his run would end up saving a life.
It was a breezy January day, when through the sound of the wind, he caught something strange. The man stopped instantly.
Looking around, he soon noticed it. From beneath a rock formation, a pair of sad eyes were staring right at him.
The Rescue Team Had To Move Quickly
Although stunned, the jogger wasted no time and immediately contacted Animal Care & Control San Francisco. A dog was trapped under the rocks, and with the tide about to rise, every second mattered.
“It is beyond lucky that we even got this call,” the ACCSF team wrote.
The jogger gave dispatchers the precise location, and the rescue team quickly called animal control officer Carlos Ortega.
By the time Ortega reached the spot, the jogger had already left, but thanks to the clear directions, finding the trapped dog was no problem.
Ortega still had no idea how she ended up wedged in such a tight spot, but he managed to move the heavy rocks and free her without causing harm.
According to the ACCSF team, it was possible she “dislodged a large rock, fell in, and the rock rolled on top,” according to the ACCSF team.
The frightened dog shivered the entire time yet made no sound as Ortega worked. Once freed, he discovered she was a Springer Spaniel. Gentle and affectionate, she leaned into Ortega as if to say: “Thank you!”
Gwen Was A Lost Family Dog
Scanning her microchip, the rescue team learned the dog’s name was Gwen. Ortega quickly drove her back to her home in Noe Valley, San Francisco, where she was reunited with her family.
They explained that Gwen had slipped out of the house earlier that morning, and despite searching, they couldn’t find her. She had wandered too far, ending up stuck beneath the rocks until the jogger intervened.
This shaken girl was finally safe in the arms of her family, away from fear and uncertainty.
A Memorable Rescue Mission
This was not Ortega’s first rescue, but it was one he knew he would never forget.
Saving Gwen was a moment he would always treasure, especially knowing the tragic outcome that could have unfolded if she hadn’t been freed in time.
What mattered most was that Gwen was back home, warm and loved, far from what could have easily become the worst day of her life.