For stray dogs, even something as basic as trying to find a meal can turn dangerous in an instant. That was exactly what happened to a pup named Cheeto.
While searching for food, he pushed his head into a plastic container and got stuck. After that, everything became a frantic blur. He ran through the neighborhood in panic, unable to free himself, struggling to breathe, and with no way to get any food.
Thankfully, people noticed.
A few concerned neighbors saw what he was going through and quickly contacted The Last Stop Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Carleton, Michigan, help was finally on the way.
Trying To Track A Desperate Dog
Working with longtime rescuer Kim Broman Canales, the team began an urgent search. Canales placed trail cameras throughout the area to catch sight of him.
But Cheeto remained elusive. Hours turned into days, and the situation grew more worrying. His limited oxygen, combined with dehydration and hunger, meant he was running out of strength.
“He couldn’t drink, he couldn’t eat and he was oxygen-deprived because it was so tight on his head. They spent three days out there day and night tracking him and finding his locations,” said Tom Walsh, founder of The Last Stop Animal Rescue and Sanctuary.
Terrified and constantly moving, Cheeto kept out of reach.
Once rescuers figured out his usual route, they set humane traps. But the jar blocked his sense of smell, so he walked right past them. Even with strong scent lures added, he still could not detect anything.
His pace soon slowed, and rescuers feared that coyotes in the area might reach him before they did.
Finally Found In Time
On the third day, Canales received a call from a nearby homeowner who spotted the starving dog behind their property.
With permission to enter the yard, she searched quietly.
Catching sight of Cheeto near the garage, she moved carefully and managed to slip a snappy snare over his head. Once it tightened, she knew the chase was finally over.
Overwhelmed with relief, she lifted him gently into her car and drove straight to the shelter. Staff immediately worked to cut the jar away from his face.
For the first time in days, Cheeto could breathe freely again.
A New Chance At Life
Once freed, he was given food and water. Thin and malnourished, his ribs were visible beneath his coat.
He was then taken to Woodhaven Animal Hospital in Michigan for a full examination.
Vets discovered worms and monoxide poisoning caused by days spent breathing through the plastic container.
Tom Walsh and his wife, Sue, brought him into their care, providing constant attention and comfort. Cheeto responded with grateful, enthusiastic kisses.
Although he had no collar or microchip, the Walshes believed he had once belonged to someone.
Within days, the strong-willed pup began regaining weight and energy. His caregivers were confident he would fully recover.
Everyone at the shelter has grown attached to him, and Cheeto is soaking in the affection he had long been denied. Soon, he will be ready to begin life with a loving forever family.