On what started as an ordinary day, a woman stepped outside her home after hearing barking that didn’t sound like her own dogs.
At first, she thought maybe a neighbor’s pet had wandered nearby, but something about the sound felt urgent.
To be sure, she checked her security camera footage. What she saw left her unsettled. A figure darted quickly under her parked car, but there was no sign of it ever leaving.
Shocking Discovery Beneath the Car
Her curiosity turned to worry. She bent down to look under the car, her heart racing as she tried to see through the shadows.
That’s when she noticed something that made her gasp — a paw and a tail were sticking out from the underside of the vehicle. For a moment, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
It wasn’t a stray cat or even a small puppy. It was the unmistakable leg of a dog wedged tightly into the engine area.
Feeling both alarmed and helpless, she realized she needed immediate help.
Unsure of how to free the animal without causing more harm, she called the Arizona Humane Society (AHS). On the other end of the line, staff members were just as surprised.
Cats and kittens in car engines were common rescues, but the idea of a full-sized dog trapped inside was almost unimaginable.
A Rescue Mission Like No Other
Two emergency animal medical technicians, Ruthie Jesus and McKenzie Dunnington, responded to the call. Both had years of experience working with animals in crisis.
Ruthie had been with the AHS field team for over a decade and had witnessed countless rescues. Still, this was something she had never prepared for.
Rescuing a forty-nine-pound dog from the cramped space of a car engine was a challenge unlike any she had faced before.
The dog, later given the name Nova, was clearly terrified. Somehow, she had squeezed herself into an impossibly small space, maybe looking for safety or a hiding spot, and had become trapped.
Her breathing was fast, and she whimpered softly as the rescuers approached. With gentle hands and steady voices, Ruthie and McKenzie carefully worked to free her.
They knew every movement had to be slow and deliberate so Nova wouldn’t panic further.
Minutes passed like hours for the onlookers. The woman who found Nova waited anxiously, praying the dog would come out unhurt.
The rescuers used their training, shifting parts carefully, coaxing Nova with soft reassurances. After about fifteen tense minutes, there was finally a breakthrough.
Nova wriggled free, and the team carefully lifted her out from the engine.
At first, Nova shook with nerves, her body tense from the ordeal. But within moments, relief washed over her.
Her tail began to wag furiously, and she smothered her rescuers with kisses, as if she knew they had just given her another chance at life.
For the first time since she had crawled under that car, Nova was safe.
From Near Disaster to New Beginnings
The next step was making sure Nova’s health hadn’t been compromised. She was quickly transported to AHS’ trauma hospital, where veterinarians gave her a full checkup.
Remarkably, despite the frightening ordeal, she had only minor scrapes on her ears and no serious injuries.
Everyone who examined her was amazed at how lucky she had been.
As soon as her wounds were cleaned and treated, Nova’s playful spirit returned.
The once-shaken dog was now bursting with energy, bouncing around her kennel and wagging at anyone who came near. Staff members described her as affectionate, goofy, and endlessly loving.
She wanted nothing more than to go on walks, greet new people, and soak up every ounce of attention she could find.
Now, Nova is waiting for her forever family at the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain Campus. Her story has already captured the hearts of many.
What could have ended as a heartbreaking accident instead became a tale of resilience, teamwork, and hope.
Nova’s ordeal is also a reminder of the incredible work done by animal rescuers every day. For Ruthie, McKenzie, and the entire AHS team, this mission will be one they never forget.
It proved once again that no matter how unusual or challenging a rescue may be, compassion and determination can turn a dangerous situation into a happy ending.
Soon, Nova will leave the shelter behind and step into the life she was always meant to live — one filled with love, comfort, and people who will cherish her forever.
The dog who once found herself stuck in a place she never belonged will finally find a home where she is safe, valued, and adored.