Aries, a smart and resilient Pitbull mix, proved her quick thinking in a life-changing moment on the road. After a car accident left her stunned and disoriented, she didn’t hesitate for a second. Instead of panicking, she sprinted straight to the one place she knew would offer her safety.
Three years earlier, Melissa Fickel, a devoted animal foster from Detroit, had made the decision to adopt Aries, eager to finally have a permanent companion by her side. Aries quickly became more than just a pet—she was a true friend, a constant source of loyalty and love.
From that day on, they were practically inseparable, sharing every part of their lives. But during a routine trip to the park one afternoon, their world was suddenly flipped upside down when another car crashed into Melissa’s.
Instinct Leads Aries To Familiar Ground
Though the crash wasn’t severe and no one was injured, the sudden noise and jolt sent Aries into a panic. Without hesitation, she jumped through the open window and took off.
“I had the windows down because Aries likes to hang her head out and as soon as there was that smack, as soon as I felt and heard it, almost instantaneously, she was out of the window,” Melissa told local television station WXYZ Detroit.
Melissa remained at the scene to speak with police and handle insurance matters, but her thoughts were consumed by worry. “I can’t really think about it because so many things could’ve happened,” she said.
Aries could have run into traffic or gotten lost. Instead, she followed her instincts and headed toward a place she knew well.
Just a mile away was a familiar destination Hounds Town – Detroit Metro, the doggy daycare Aries had visited many times before.
She ran directly there, and Travis Ogden, the facility’s owner, recognized her immediately and welcomed her inside.
Daycare Staff Witness A Determined Arrival
Aries arrived just as the staff was taking a midday break in the lobby. From the corner of their eye, they spotted a dark blur racing toward the entrance.
Security footage showed Aries sprinting to the door, leaping up in distress, and trying to get inside. An employee stepped out and found her waiting, panting and visibly shaken, but clearly determined to reach safety.
Ogden recognized her right away. “She was like, ‘this is where I go and this is where I stay.’ She just seemed like she knew what to do,” he told WXYZ.
It’s likely Aries followed the scent of the building, drawn by the comfort and security she associated with her daycare.
Though she was anxious at first, Aries began to relax once inside. Meanwhile, Melissa remained at the crash site, still unsure of her dog’s whereabouts.
Then her phone rang.
“Luckily then he called me and said ‘she’s here’, and I literally sank to the ground,” Melissa said, evidently relieved that her companion was safe and sound.
Despite all the things that could have gone wrong, Aries had found her way to safety on her own.
Soon after, the pair were reunited, and Melissa says Aries is back to enjoying her favorite pastime: riding in the car.