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Downey, CA… When Victor Vargas arrived home
from work this evening at about 5:30pm he went to check on his 3
month old Rottweiler puppy named “Sassy.” “Sassy” normally greets
him at the door, but not this evening. When he set out to find her
he discovered that she had gotten her head stuck inside of a steel
car wheel. The wheel was lying flat so the puppy’s head was nearly
pinned to the ground. Mr. Vargas moved the pup and wheel to the
garage and tried in vain to free her. He called rescue officers from
the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) who responded
and continued with gentle attempts to free “Sassy.” Liquid detergent
did not work, nor did turning the head from side to side while
gently pulling. The Downey Fire Department was called to the scene
and firefighters used a powerful saw to gently cut away at the
wheel. They left approximately six inches of the rim for fear that
“Sassy” would get hurt should she flinch in fear with the saw blade
so close to her neck. SEAACA’s Veterinarian, Dr. Brad Brunskill, DVM
arrived on scene and issue a light anesthesia to the pup. Within two
minutes she was unconscious and firefighters were able to saw
through the remainder of the wheel. “Sassy” was transported to an
area animal hospital for observation and to have her swollen face
treated. “When animal control officers left the hospital “Sassy” was
awake, wagging her tail and looked relaxed,” said Aaron Reyes,
director of operations for SEAACA.
The puppy’s owner collects scrap metal and
discarded wheels and stores them in his backyard before taking them
to the local scrap yard. “Apparently Sassy got a little curious and
got herself into quite a predicament,” said Reyes.
SEAACA official made some recommendations to
Vargas about maintaining a safe yard for his pet when she returns
from the veterinary hospital. The family was exhausted but relieved
when “Sassy” was freed. Probably, not quite as relieved as the puppy
though.
Owner – Victor Vargas - 8102 Adoree in Downey
(562) 803-4166
Hospital – After Hours Animal Hospital – 11266 Firestone Blvd.
Norwalk
(Puppy still there as of 7:50pm tonight) |
Animal
Law Enforcement & Rescue
