The staff at the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) received a frantic call about a dog trapped on an active train track. The caller wasn’t sure if the pup was left there intentionally or if his leash had gotten caught, but they knew time was running out. A train was approaching, and they had to act fast.
Animal Care Officer Edwards quickly arrived at the scene and found the yellow Lab, later named Lucky, lying on the train tracks. As Officer Edwards drew closer, the urgency of the situation became clear.
The Dire Situation
“Officer Edwards noticed the leash tied to Lucky’s neck was secured to the tracks with a nail, tightening more and more as he pulled away,” SAACS shared on Facebook. “Lucky was very scared and certainly not ready to trust anyone.”
Though terrified, Lucky’s rescue was Officer Edwards’ top priority. Using a humane catch pole, he carefully secured the dog and worked quickly to free him from the nail.
As Officer Edwards removed the leash from Lucky’s neck, a train’s rumbling echoed in the distance.
“Officer Edwards moved quickly and safely, helping Lucky off the tracks,” SAACS wrote. “Before they could make it back to the animal transport vehicle, a train zoomed past!”
A Safe Haven
By the time the train barreled through, Lucky was safe in Officer Edwards’ arms. They watched as the train zoomed past before heading to the van to start a new chapter for Lucky.
At SAACS, Lucky received a full checkup and was placed in his kennel. For the first time in a while, Lucky felt secure and began to open up to others.
“After some time to settle down, Lucky seems to feel much more open to befriending people,” SAACS noted. “He needs a forever family!”
A New Beginning
SAACS’s post about Lucky’s rescue quickly caught the attention of Mr. C., who instantly connected with the pup. He arranged a meeting and, within moments, knew Lucky was the one.
“As soon as I met him, I could tell he was exactly the kind of dog that would fit in with my family. He was so chill and unbothered,” Mr. C. shared with SAACS on Facebook.
Mr. C. spent time bonding with Lucky at SAACS, and just 30 minutes later, he officially decided to adopt him. Lucky’s adoption was finalized shortly after, and he was ready to begin his new life with his loving family.
Lucky, now named Duke, has flourished in his new home and is thriving with his new dad.
While SAACS may never know how Lucky ended up on the tracks, they are grateful they could rescue him just in time and give him the life he deserves.
“We’re not sure if Lucky’s leash caught the nail as he walked past or if someone secured him,” SAACS reflected. “But we are beyond grateful to those who reported this situation to 3-1-1 and Animal Care Officer Edwards for getting him to safety!”