One day, while a woman in Phoenix, Arizona was going about her usual chores, a loud noise outside suddenly caught her attention. Since she knew her own dogs’ voices by heart, she quickly realized that what she heard wasn’t them. But then, who, or what, could it be?
Curious, she pulled up her yard’s security camera and saw something unusual. A strange figure was crawling underneath her car. At first, there didn’t seem to be anything especially odd about it, but when the animal never came back out, her concern grew.
That’s when it all became clear. She rushed outside to check on her vehicle, ready to inspect it like a mechanic on a mission.
Bizarre Situation
Sliding under the car, she was left in complete shock. From the engine area, a dog’s leg dangled helplessly. Somehow, a mischievous pup had wedged herself inside the vehicle and was unable to get free.
Not knowing what else to do, the woman contacted the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) for immediate assistance. Within minutes, a rescue team was on the scene.
Emergency animal medical technicians Jesus and McKenzie Dunnington quickly assessed the bizarre situation.
They named the trapped pup Nova, after the very car she was stuck in, a ’67 Chevy Nova, before carefully starting their work.
Incredibly, despite the strange predicament, it only took the skilled team about 15 minutes to safely remove her. Still, the sight left even these experienced rescuers stunned.
“In her 10 years working for AHS’ Field Team, Ruthie Jesus stated she has seen (and personally rescued) many cats and kittens from car engines but never a full-grown dog,” Kelsey Dickerson, spokesperson for AHS, told The Dodo. “While AHS has rescued a puppy stuck in a car engine before, the 49-pound Nova is very likely the first adult dog rescued from this predicament in the shelter’s history!”
Thankfully, the most important part was that Nova was finally safe and free from the frightening “mechanical trap” she had stumbled into.
Her Ride To A New Life
The moment she was released, Nova revealed her true personality – goofy, playful, and full of positive energy.
She wagged her tail and bounced around, as if eager to show her rescuers just how happy she was to be free.
Still, because of where she had been trapped, she was taken to a veterinarian for a thorough exam.
To everyone’s relief, the vet confirmed she had only a few minor injuries and was otherwise in good health.
With her ordeal behind her, Nova seemed to sense that better days were right around the corner. She kept her big smile on, ready to start a brand-new chapter of life.
“After being treated in AHS’ trauma hospital for minor wounds to her ears, Nova is now ready for her forever home at AHS’ South Mountain Campus,” Kelsey said. “She is an incredibly sweet, energetic, loving and playful pup who loves going on walks and getting attention from everyone she meets.”
On their website, the shelter also noted that Nova is a two-year-old mixed breed and would do best in a home without cats or small critters, proudly adding: “Dogs rule!”
For the Arizona Humane Society team, there’s no doubt Nova will soon find her happily-ever-after.
Although her accident could have easily ended in tragedy, the car she was once trapped in ultimately became a symbol of her rescue… a strange ride that led her straight to a second chance at life.