A small dog that miraculously survived four days stuck on the ice along the Detroit River while being pursued by a coyote has been found and is now in good hands. His rescue needed the efforts of dedicated people from the United States and Canada, as well as a lot of luck.
Wildlife photographers in Ecorse, Michigan, first noticed the tiny dog on the open ice, according to CTV, who spotted the dog on an ice floe.
Patricia Trevino, owner of the River Rouge Animal Shelter in Michigan, was alerted to the dog’s desperate situation and quickly put out a call for assistance. She called local fire departments and the coast guard, but they turned her down due to the risk. She, on the other hand, was adamant about not giving up.
Trevino said after the dog’s rescue, “That’s a little life out there, we had to fight for him.” “For him, we had to fight.”
As Trevino frantically sought assistance, the dog faced a new threat in addition to the freezing temperatures and frozen waters: a coyote! The wild animal tried to snare the dog, but the dog eluded him by going farther out onto the ice and then vanishing from view.
Tim Epperly, a photographer, observed the dog’s struggle for survival. According to WXYZ-Kimberley TV’s Craig, Epperly kept an eye on the dog for Trevino and saw the coyote. Throughout the four days, the dog will vanish, only to reappearance later.
As Jude Mead and Jude Mead Jr., co-owners of J&J Marine Ltd, decided to look for the puppy, he was on a small island in the middle of the river. After hearing about the puppy, the guys, who live in LaSalle, Ontario, just south of Windsor, said they took out their airboat to search for him.
Mead told CNN, “We just went out in that place and looked around.” “It didn’t take long to find him,” they said as they picked up the dog and handed him over to a thankful Trevino.
Trevino snatched the dog up and drove him to Woodhaven Animal Hospital, where he was treated for dehydration and pancreatitis.
Veterinarians believe the dog’s matted fur helped keep him warm in the freezing temperatures, which is a curious twist of fate.
Miracle (or Alfonso, as some call him) is expected to make a full recovery.
Alfonso had over two pounds of matted fur shaved off and it was knotted down to his skin, according to Kimberley Craig of WXYZ-TV.
Alfonso will not be available for adoption right now because Trevino and the shelter staff are busy investigating reports that this might be their puppy. Meanwhile, Alfonso will be cared for at the veterinary clinic.
Alfonso is doing fine, according to his veterinarian, and is receiving oxygen therapies to help him heal faster.
Craig praised Trevino’s efforts to save the dog on Facebook, writing: “Special heartfelt thanks to Patricia Trevino, Director of The River Rouge Animal Shelter who wouldn’t give up before someone did what had to be done to save a dog’s life.” I’m just honored to be able to call her a friend.
She despises publicity, but she fights for thousands of miracles every day. They may not be stuck on the ice or receive thousands of social media posts, but they, too, are on the verge of disaster when she and her team save the day.”
Trevino is relieved that the dog has recovered. Trevino said, “I’m telling you, this dog had a guardian angel.” “I am certain of it.”