Ginger's Story- Arizona Humane Society

Dog Rescued From Canal Seconds Before Drowning

It was a hot Saturday afternoon in Phoenix and a stray Australian Shepherd mix roamed the streets searching for a drink of water. Enticed by the flowing water in a canal, the dog leaned over the steep edge in an attempt to quench her thirst. Seconds later, she was swept away by the strong undercurrent, and swimming for her life. A Phoenix Police Officer noticed the dog and pulled his patrol car over to try and rescue her. The police officer called AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ (EAMTs™). The officer held onto EAMT Andy Gallo’s belt as he leaned over the canal ledge to rescue the dog as she floated past. The dog slipped right through Andy’s fingertips. She was giving up hope as her body sunk further underwater with every second that passed. Suddenly, the dog stopped swimming. Her head sank underwater as she passed out from exhaustion. It was Andy’s last chance. Using a catch pole, he grabbed a hold of her right before she slipped under the murky water. The police officer helped pull the sopping wet canine out of the water. Andy checked the dog’s pulse and body temperature and rushed her to AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™. Upon examination, our trauma hospital veterinarians found that the dog, which we named Ginger, was very malnourished and incredibly weak, unable to stand on her own. Her paws were wounded and her toe nails were completely worn down from her attempts to climb out of the canal. The medical team administered IV fluids, gave her medication and wrapped her in blankets. Everyone hoped that she’d make it through the night. She did. Two days later, she was up and walking around. And after 11 days of care in our trauma hospital, Ginger was ready to go into a foster home to continue her recovery. And who came to her rescue yet again? The police officer who helped pull her out of the canal. Officer Sandor welcomed Ginger into his home, and once she was there, he wasn’t going to let her leave. Ginger has been officially adopted by Officer Sandor and his family, where she’ll live out her second chance at life.