When Nina Love, an experienced rescuer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, received a message about a dog that had been abandoned in a park situated close to active railroad tracks, she immediately recognized how urgent the situation was.
Without pausing to consider anything else, she collected the rescue supplies she might need, then reached out to a trusted fellow rescuer and close friend who happened to be near the park and could join her quickly.
She understood that any delay could place the frightened dog in even greater danger.
A High Stakes Search Along The Rails
After arriving at the scene, they quickly located the dog, standing near the tracks and clearly unsure of where to go, yet capturing her turned out to be far more challenging than either of them had anticipated.
“I followed her for 3 miles down the train tracks, my adrenaline was rushing. I knew the train was coming soon because it passed right before she ran onto them, and trains run every 10 to 15 minutes,” stated Nina.
As she moved along the rails, she understood she was putting herself in serious danger, but the moment she noticed the uncertainty and fear in the dog’s expression, she recognized that stepping into harm’s way was worthwhile.
I was shaking with fear, but I wanted to save her because I looked into her eyes, and she was crying out for help. She was just scared, so I kept my distance and was patient.
Thankfully, Nina’s friend had brought along her own dog, Teddy, which turned out to be the breakthrough they needed. The abandoned pup reacted the moment she spotted Teddy, her posture softening as she observed the calm presence of another dog.
“We got low, and my friend talked to her while Teddy walked up. She was hesitant, but my friend held her until I walked up and was able to leash her,” Nina said.
Just as they managed to secure the frightened pup, the unmistakable rumble of an approaching train vibrated along the tracks. Realizing they had only moments, they lifted the dog and hurried off the rails with every bit of speed they had left.
“Seconds after [we captured the dog], the train came, and our adrenaline was so high we didn’t even hear the horn.”
Nina had recorded the entire rescue, capturing footage that allowed viewers to glimpse a small fragment of the intense and exhausting experience as it unfolded.
A Lifelong Rescuer And Tireless Advocate
This rescue was far from unusual for Nina. Throughout her work, she has saved a significant number of dogs who have been living in distressing circumstances throughout Philadelphia and in other communities as well.
Nina has also become known as a determined advocate for animals, frequently responding to urgent calls and openly sharing the difficult situations that stray animals often endure.
“I want to let people know that it’s OK to love animals. We all reside here on Earth and should learn to co-exist together.”
Although she has encountered criticism from people who disagree with her direct approach or outspoken views, she remains focused on her purpose and refuses to let negativity distract her from offering help.
“I’ve faced many challenges due to me being an African American and have [experienced] racial threats because I’m in this field. But I remain strong for them because they need us.”
Looking Ahead For The Railroad Pup
Nina is now looking for a foster family capable of giving the rescued dog a safe, nurturing environment after her frightening experience on the tracks.
She truly believes that once placed in a supportive home, the pup will learn to trust people again and will discover that compassion still exists, even after everything she has gone through.
Good luck!