Texas: Giant alligator nearly run over by a semi-truck is rescued and relocated

CLEVELAND, TEXAS -- A giant alligator nearly the length of a small family car was captured in Cleveland, Texas, early Monday morning as it attempted to cross Highway 59, near a Whataburger restaurant.

The gator, which measured in at 11 feet, 6 inches, was first spotted and reported to the local authorities after it was clipped by an 18-wheeler as it tried to cross the highway, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Chance Ward reported the incident to authorities and said the unusual reptilian traffic hazard was only something you'd see in Texas.

"The Gator measured 11' 6" and will be relocated alive to a safe place out of harm's way," Ward wrote in a Facebook post. "We safely placed the Gator on the flat bed of my truck and strapped him for the ride. Only in Texas will you get a Gator and Whataburger in the same picture."

Speaking to the Chronicle, Ward said he thought that the alligator would've moved by the time he had gotten to the scene, but it was still impeding traffic, causing the road to be blocked and "would rise up and hiss at them anytime someone would get close."

For comparison purposes, the average length of a small family car is between 169 inches (14-feet, 1 inch) and 185 inches (15-feet, 5 inches), depending on the model.

As firefighters shut southbound traffic on the highway, Ward eventually grabbed rope from his truck, lassoed the gator and then handed it to over animal control. It took six men to wrestle the gator onto Ward's pickup truck.

Nicknamed George by Ward, the alligator was relocated Monday morning and Ward praised a job well done by local law enforcement.

"Sergeant Edwards was very helpful with helping me untie the Gator in my stock trailer until relocation in the morning," Ward wrote in the Facebook post. "If you get a chance, thank our local law enforcement and firemen as they not only pull the criminals off the streets, they help keep the wildlife and livestock safe."

*   *   *   *   *   *

Just after noon Monday, Ward was filming George again, this time as he opened the stock trailer and released the gator into a pond in Liberty County, under the guidance of the local game warden.

It took about 20 minutes to get the gator to calm down, tie him on both sides and load him onto the truck Monday morning, but the pond was apparently a welcome sight. George slid out relatively willingly and immediately went for a dip in his new home.

"This is not something we see every day in Cleveland," said Cleveland Police Chief Darrel Brousard. "I think with the recent floods and Harvey, some of these animals are on the move. I encourage anyone who has water around their place, whether it's a creek, river or stream, to be vigilant. Watch your step, especially at dark."

(Charlotte Observer - May 2, 2018)

California: CHP officer finds, rescues horse seen wandering on freeway

CALIFORNIA -- CHP – Stockton posted on Facebook December 13, 2017 ·

Today, Stockton CHP Officer Love was on southbound I-5 south of the Sacramento County Line, turning to check on a disabled motorist.

Officer Love then observed a brown and white horse walking up the embankment onto the freeway shoulder. The horse was preparing to walk into the traffic lanes.

Officer Love was able to corral the horse and keep it on the right shoulder. A citizen stopped and provided a dog leash in attempt to contain the horse. Officer Love was able to keep the horse calm and secure the leash around the neck and attached the horse to the patrol vehicle push bumpers until the owners and animal control arrived on scene to take custody of the horse.

The horse was safely escorted back to the property it escaped from near the freeway. #horsewrangler #nationalhorseday

California: Looking for a new pet? CHP rescued a little dog from Highway 41

CALIFORNIA -- A California Highway Patrol officer rescued a little dog on the side a Fresno highway last week, and now it needs a home.

On Oct. 5 around 10:30 a.m., dispatch received reports of a dog on Highway 41 near Shields Avenue. The small dog was seen running across the highway, CHP said.

CHP officer G. Santos responded and prevented traffic from hitting the dog. Santos got a hold of the dog and turned him over to the Central California SPCA.

If you're interested in adopting the 3-year-old male Lhasa Apso, call the SPCA at (559) 233-7722 ext.116. The dog's ID is A031342.

(YourCentralValley - Oct 11, 2017)

Florida: Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputies give police escort to family of ducks

FLORIDA -- Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook October 8, 2017 ·

All in a day's work for the Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputies... protecting and serving the fine feathered citizens of the county!

Missouri: Madison County Sheriff's Deputy rescues kitten from roadway

MISSOURI -- Madison County Missouri Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook October 1, 2017 ·

Today, Deputy Neel rescued this little guy from being hit on Lincoln Drive. We are not sure if he/she has a home!

If it is yours, or you would like to adopt this baby, please contact Madison County Sheriff’s Office. 573-783-2234. Thank you!

New York: Limo Driver Stops on Brooklyn Bridge to Save Tiny Dog

NEW YORK -- A limousine came to a halt on the Brooklyn Bridge after the driver noticed a small pup on the loose.

Garrick Quinones, 52, owner of Limousine of New York in Staten Island, said he was on his way to pick up a passenger earlier this month when he saw a dog run underneath a moving car on the bridge.

"I was so surprised that I pulled the car over," Quinones told ABC News today. "I just could not believe that in the middle of the roadway that there would be this dog. I was thinking, 'Wow this dog is like Toto from the 'Wizard of Oz' -- a red-haired version, an adorable little dog. I knew he needed help and I felt compelled to do it."

Quinones used the cord to his cell phone charger to create a makeshift leash. With the help of a good Samaritan, he was able to capture the dog, he said.

"At first, the dog was a little nervous and wouldn't let me grab his paw," Quinones recalled. "He was a well-kept and very nice and affectionate little guy. He was really friendly. He licked my hand at one point and was really grateful."

Although the dog had no collar, Quinones said he appeared to be well cared for. Because the pup had a leg injury, Quinones believes he may have escaped his owner and fell from the bridge's pedestrian walkway, landing in the slow-moving traffic below.

Quinones brought the dog into his limousine and got him some fresh water. He then dialed 9-1-1, asking the operator about possible reports from an owner who lost their dog on the Brooklyn bridge, he said.

With no leads, Quinones said he brought the pup to the NYPD'd 19th Precinct in Manhattan, where it was discovered that the dog had been micro-chipped. The police informed Quinones that they were tracking the owner, he said.

"I'm so happy," Quinones said. "He's such a nice a little dog. I just didn't know how the heck this little guy got there."

A PIO at NYPD's 19th precinct told ABC News that standard protocol is for police to turn the dog over to the ASPCA. The ASPCA in New York has not yet responded to ABC News' request for comment.

(Good Morning America - June 24, 2016)

Texas: Fort Worth officer helps rescue dog running across I-30

TEXAS -- A motorcycle officer riding eastbound on Interstate 30 Tuesday morning thought he had come across a car wreck when he saw a plume of smoke and a woman getting out of her car.

However, it was the beginning of a dog chase.

Officer James Shiderly had been assigned to a police-escort motorcade for U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan in Dallas earlier in the morning as the Republican House speaker attended fundraisers for congressional Republicans seeking re-election.

Afterward, Shiderly drove back to Fort Worth, ate lunch and hopped on I-30.

Near the University Drive exit, he spotted a woman slam on her breaks and then get out of the driver’s side. He soon realized she was trying to rescue a dog on the highway.

Shiderly said it was about 12:45 p.m.

“I was talking to it on the intercom, saying ‘Come here, girl,’ ” Shiderly told the Star-Telegram Tuesday night.

He maintained pace with the dog who looked like a Blue heeler and terrier mix and got off his bike a few times.

“The first time, it tried to bite me,” Shiderly said. “The second time, it started urinating.”

Michael Ramirez, 33, was in his office at 1320 S. University Drive when he saw a traffic jam and a person running out into traffic.

“That caught my attention and then I realized it was a Good Samaritan trying to catch a dog running down the freeway,” Ramirez said.

He next saw Shiderly trying to help catch the dog, and started filming the chase on his phone at 12:58 p.m.

Three lanes of the freeway were shut down for a few minutes when, about 20 minutes later, the officer, some drivers and a Code Compliance vehicle blocked her off near the exits for Lancaster Avenue and Henderson Street.

The dog ran under the Code Compliance vehicle and lay down.

Shiderly grabbed water from his bike and poured it in his hand to give the dog, but she wouldn’t have it, he said.

“It was freaked out and stressed out,” he said.

The Code Compliance officer finally took the dog to the Chuck Silcox Animal Care & Control Center at 4900 Martin St. where staff will try to find the owner, he said.

Martinez said he didn’t get to see the ending, but believes Shiderly “did a good job of managing traffic while trying to get the dog to safety.”

“It has been a long day,” Shiderly chuckled at the end of the night.

(Star Telegram - May 4, 2016)

Arizona: Worker rushes to rescue puppy spotted on highway traffic cam

ARIZONA -- An Arizona Department of Transportation worker who spotted a puppy on a freeway traffic camera jumped into his car and drove several miles to rescue the canine.

Gil Estrada said he was at his desk at the Arizona Department of Transportation Traffic Control Center in Phoenix when he spotted the white puppy narrowly evading speeding cars on State Route 51.

"It was hard to watch. The dog kept getting so close to being hit," Estrada told KNXV-TV.

Estrada said he rushed to his car after he saw the dog make it to the median between the northbound and southbound lanes.

He found the dog near where he last saw it on camera.

"I was worried about when I approached it. I didn't know if it was gonna bite at me, take off and run, or get on the other side of the freeway where I couldn't help it at all. I approached gently and talked gently and luckily positive things happened," Estrada said.

The worker brought the puppy back to the control center, where a worker took her home for the night.

The puppy was taken to the Arizona Equine Rescue Organization in Scottsdale, which normally deals with larger animals but made an exception due to the dog's unusual story.

"If the owner cannot be found, AERO will facilitate finding the right home for this amazing survivor. We may normally do large animal rescue, but something about this puppy's situation motivated us to branch outside of the norm.

"Since we don't know her name, we'll call her Dottie, as a shout out to the ADOT employees who rescued her. No AERO funds will be used in the housing and care for Dottie of course since she is outside our mission, but we are so glad to be able to help," the organization said in a Facebook post.

Dottie will be available for adoption if no owner comes forward in the next few days.

(UPI - Jan 28, 2016)

Kitten rescued on Interstate 580 in Oakland

CALIFORNIA -- Here's more proof that cats have nine lives.

The CHP's Oakland office posted a photo on their Facebook page of a kitten that was rescued on Monday morning.

Officials say workers with the Freeway Service Patrol rescued the little kitty after it jumped into the wheel well of a car that was stopped in traffic on Interstate 580 at High Street in Oakland.

And here's another sign it was the kitten's lucky day -- another driver adopted it right on the spot!

(abc7chicago - May 19, 2014)

CHP Rescues Tiny Chihuahua Stuck on I-680

CALIFORNIA -- This adorable pic isn’t really viral now, but we’re predicting that it will soon get lots of RTs, shares and smiling emojis.

CHP Contra Costa on Friday tweeted a photo showing one of its officers coaxing a tiny chihuahua off I-680′s center divider in heavy traffic.

“This little dog needed some help off I-680 freeway today. We’re glad he’s safe. #CHP #Safe #Dog #DogTreats,” said the Tweet posted by @320PIO.

Officers discovered the puppy Friday afternoon after responding to a call about a small animal stranded on the center divider near the North Main Street overpass in Walnut Creek.

A motorcycle officer used a protein bar to lure the puppy into his arms and the two made it safely off the freeway.

It’s unclear how or why the pooch ended up in the center of the freeway.

CHP Officer John Fransen said he wishes people would call authorities instead of dumping the animals.

“As sad as it sounds, it actually happens pretty often,” he said.

Last month, a 5-week-old chihuahua was rescued from a dumpster by Boston animal control officers. The puppy suffered head trauma and weighed only 2 pounds when he was found, but Oscar is reportedly healthy and safe.

CHP Official, John Franzen, says they see discarded pets on the freeway all the time. He says he wishes people would call authorities instead of dumping the animals.

(KRON - May 9, 2014)

Runaway sheep saved from slaughter; sent to sanctuary

MICHIGAN -- He is no longer tagged 492; the purple stripe down his back signifying his demise is slowly fading. And he has a name now: “Eminem” for the time he spent on Eight Mile as a fugitive on the lam.

Animal lovers concerned about the sheep that escaped the slaughterhouse and frantically darted around an east side Detroit auto shop last Tuesday need not worry anymore.

With the warm sunlight pouring in on a hay-filled stall in a barn, plenty of food and water, and a goat aptly named “Buddy” to keep him company, Eminem, the sheep that made a run for it — police said most likely from a local butcher — now has a new permanent home at SASHA (Sanctuary and Safe Haven for Animals) Farm, in Manchester.

“In a day or two, once he gets comfortable, he’ll go out to pasture with the other sheep,” said Dorothy Davies, who along with her husband, Monte Jackson, founded the animal sanctuary — at 65 acres, the largest in the Midwest — close to 20 years ago. “The animals are happiest when they are with their own kind.”

Just then, Eminem cozied up to farm director Christine Wagner, nuzzling and licking her hand. With a wry smile, Davies said: “When you live in a farming community, you learn that meat doesn’t come on Styrofoam trays wrapped in neat little packages.“

More than 400 animals, including cows, horses, goats, sheep, potbelly pigs, farm pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, emus, turkeys, pigeons and guineas all live out their lives here now. They were rescued from neglect, abuse, abandonment or deemed by their owners as no longer useful.

Save one full-time staff member (Wagner) and one part-time employee (Davies), the entire operation is funded by donations of money and food. About 40 volunteers work a 365-day schedule, which is not nearly enough help, says Davies. Donations, too, are a tenuous proposition.

“Last year’s drought sent the prices up,” she said. “And of course, once they go up, they don’t ever come down.”

Still, ever since the couple moved here in 1981 (seeking refuge from the flight pattern in Westland near the airport) and rescued their first farm animal — a draft horse from Mackinac Island that pulled a garbage cart for 20 years — they’ve never looked back.

“She couldn’t work anymore, so they were going to put her down,” Davies said. “Seemed a little unfair, don’t you think?”

On a recent tour, Davies was full of heart-tugging rescue stories; each animal has a story.

“Just like people,” she said.

Pointing to the donkeys, she said: “They came from out west. Every few years the Bureau of Land management rounds them up and turns them into dog food. Same thing with the wild mustangs.”

In July 2010, a livestock truck turned over on the expressway and a former dairy cow ran away from the scene.

“She’s the only survivor of that accident,” Davies said. “And the one that was inside her at the time.”

Her baby was born here; it’s not uncommon to rescue animals that just happen to be “in a family way.”

A Texas Longhorn bull named Digger happily grazing in the field was being raised for his meat on a nearby farm. But the kids convinced their parents not to kill him.

During the recession, they lost their home and they left him in the barn. Next to Digger is Shania. She was supposed to be a breeder, but she never got pregnant, so her owners didn’t want her anymore.

“Jefferson” is probably their most famous rescue. In 2003, the cow ran away from an Eastern Market slaughterhouse. He ended up stopping freeway traffic and even trotted his way past a Burger King drive-thru window. He was finally caught and tranquilized, which meant he couldn’t be sold at market for two weeks. Davies said the two weeks gave them enough time to negotiate for his release.

“It was a classic struggle between the people who wanted to save an animal’s life and the owner who had paid good money for him to be slaughtered,” Davies said.

About 100 chickens were rescued from a factory farm in New York. Davies rescued 50 dogs after Katrina and brought them up to Michigan for adoption. The potbellied pigs were the result of a widely held myth that potbellied pigs have a miniature variety.

“They don’t,” says Wagner. “And when they grow up, people get rid of them for a whole host of reasons.”

The farm pigs have a similar story; petting zoos are fond of baby pigs. Adult pigs: not so much.

As for six-month-old Eminem, he’ll soon make friends with two other young white sheep named Art and Van that were born here. Their mother, who also escaped slaughter, was finally caught in Ann Arbor behind the furniture store after which her children are so named.

Given that Eminem can expect to live another 10 years or so, Davies couldn’t help but add that the little guy could really use a sponsor.

“If the other Eminem would like to step up to the plate,” she said. “His namesake would love it.”

(The Detroit News - Oct 22, 2013)

La Porte police officer shuts down highway to save dog

TEXAS -- A police officer in La Porte helped save a dog that was in trouble on a busy freeway on Monday, and now the story has gone viral on the Internet.

Cujo’s a jittery rat terrier with a bad hip who spends his days hanging around his house in La Porte; but, that all changed on Monday.

"I would describe him as a Napoleon-type of dog,” said Jeremy Zapalac, one of his owners. “He's very short, but with a very big ego."

Still, it was surprising when Cujo ducked out of an open door Monday morning and wandered away from home. The Zapalac family spent much of the day searching their neighborhood, calling in help from relatives to scour the area for their missing pet.

“We spent the whole morning, about an hour, looking for him,” Zapalac said. “It started pouring down rain. And he hates water."

As it turned out, Cujo drifted all the way up to Spencer Highway, a short drive in a car, but a long walk for a little dog with a hip that forces him to toddle around with a slight waddle. Somehow he crossed the busy road and started walking in a moving lane of traffic.

Cujo’s story might have ended right then and there, but the shivering pooch caught a lucky break.

“He’s not going to make it if I don’t do something,” said Kyle Jones, a La Porte police officer who happened to be driving by.

Jones made a quick decision: He spun his car around and blocked traffic on the busy highway to save the life of a lost dog.

“When I saw it and saw the size of it, I immediately hit my lights and shut all the lanes off,” Jones said.

The officer stepped out of his patrol car and bent over, calling out to the dog.

“You know how Chihuahuas are,” Jones said with a chuckle. “You're not really sure if you can trust 'em or not. But he kind of looked at me and said, 'Man, I'm glad you're here.' He let me pick him right up. Stuck him in the back seat of the patrol car."

Little did Jones know that someone was snapping a photo that has gone viral on Facebook, drawing thousands of comments praising the officer’s simple act of kindness.

Officer Jones normally rides a motorcycle, but opted
for a patrol car on Monday due to the rain.

Jones turned the dog over to an animal control officer. Luckily, the Zapalac family had put an identification tag on Cujo’s collar. The animal control officer knocked on the family’s door and returned him home Monday evening.

"He was all wet,” Zapalac said. “He was soaked. We got him in wrapped him up, dried him up and he just slept in his bed all day."

Email sent to the police from Cujo's family:
Just wanted to send a big thanks for the kindness shown to my "4 legged" son this morning!

As I raised my garage door to let our cat out this morning I left back door cracked and my little old guy ran out. When I discovered he was missing minutes later it had started raining. I drove up and down street with no luck seeing him. My son joined my search. He drove around in his car as I walked around neighborhood and park.

As I was walking on Farrington side of park my husband drove up and said that Animal Control had just brought him home. He said an officer had seen him in the middle of Spencer Hwy. and the officer had stopped traffic to help our little guy! Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this wonderful, caring officer and his kind deed!! It is a wonderful feeling to know we have people like him looking out for us...

I kept reminding myself that he had his tag with his name, address & phone number. Then I would think of how small he is and worry all over again... After a bath and his arthritis medication he has been resting all day. Safe, warm, and home again. All because someone did care!

Again, our sincere thanks:
Don and Diwanna Zapalac and Family

(KHOU - Feb 12, 2013)

Riverside County Animal Services Rescue Potbellied Pig From Highway 91

CALIFORNIA -- Riverside County Animal Services officers had their hands full, literally, while rescuing a potbellied pig on Highway 91 Saturday.

Officers responded to a “loose pig” call about 4 p.m.

Lt. Chris Mayer of Riverside County Animal Services tranquilized the road hog and then transported the porcine animal to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley.

How the big potbellied pig ended up on the freeway is not known.

An owner has not stepped forward.

The pig reportedly was on the freeway “for some time” and forced the California Highway Patrol to shut down the westbound 91 for a short period.

The animal was tranquilized near the Central Avenue exit in Riverside.

(losangeles.cbslocal.com - Sept 8, 2012)