In Phoenix, a woman was moving through her usual routine when a sound outside stopped her cold.
She knew her own dogs’ voices by heart, and this noise did not belong to any of them. It was different enough to make her pause and listen again.
Questions piled up quickly. What was out there, and why did it sound so unfamiliar? Instead of guessing, she checked her security camera.
The screen revealed something tucked beneath her car. At first, it did not look dangerous, just a vague shape stirring in the shadows. Still, as time passed and whatever it was refused to come out, unease began to settle in.
Realizing she could not simply ignore it, she stepped outside carefully. With slow, deliberate movements, she approached her vehicle, bracing herself to find out exactly what was hiding underneath.
A Pup In A Bizarre Predicament
Sliding underneath the car, she was met with a startling sight. A dog’s leg dangled helplessly from the engine compartment. Somehow, a mischievous pup had squeezed herself inside the vehicle and could not escape on her own.
Unsure of how to proceed, the woman immediately contacted the Arizona Humane Society (AHS).
Within minutes, a rescue team arrived on the scene. Emergency animal medical technicians Jesus and McKenzie Dunnington quickly assessed the situation.
They named the trapped pup Nova, inspired by the very car she had climbed into, a ’67 Chevy Nova, before beginning the delicate rescue process.
Remarkably, the skilled team freed Nova in about 15 minutes, despite the unusual and challenging circumstances. Even experienced rescuers were taken aback by the situation.
“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!”
Most importantly, Nova was finally safe, free from the frightening “mechanical trap” that had ensnared her.
A Joyful Pup Emerges
Once freed, Nova displayed her true personality: playful, energetic, and full of joy. She wagged her tail enthusiastically and bounced around, eager to express her happiness to the rescuers.
Because of the location where she had been trapped, Nova was taken to a veterinarian for a thorough checkup.
Fortunately, the vet confirmed that she had only minor injuries and was otherwise healthy. With her ordeal behind her, Nova seemed to sense that brighter days were ahead.
Her cheerful demeanor remained, signaling readiness for a new chapter in 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.”
The shelter shared on their website that Nova is a two-year-old mixed breed who would thrive in a home without cats or small animals, proudly adding: “Dogs rule!” The Arizona Humane Society team is confident that Nova will soon find her forever family. What could have ended in tragedy instead became a story of rescue, as the very car that trapped her led to a second chance at life.