On Dec. 24, 2024, Tucson Fire Department crews responded late Wednesday to a report of a dog trapped beneath a vehicle on Golf Links Road, freeing the animal after a careful roadside operation and turning it over to animal control personnel.

The rescue, which unfolded on Christmas Eve, ended a tense scene for drivers and first responders in the area and marked the department’s second similar response in just over a week. Crews described the dog as frightened and trembling when they reached it but said the animal appeared to be OK after being freed.

Firefighters on scene reported that the animal had been running down the road and jumped in front of the vehicle before becoming trapped beneath it. According to the Tucson Fire Department, crews placed the car in neutral and carefully rolled it forward just enough to free the pup, taking deliberate steps to avoid further harm to the frightened animal and to keep the roadway secure during the operation.

“The dog was scared and trembling but appeared to be OK,” the Tucson Fire Department said in a brief statement. After the animal was freed, crews turned it over to a Pima County animal control officer, who took custody for further assessment. The department added: “We’re glad this Christmas Eve call ended with everyone, humans and pups, safe.”

Local reporting echoed the department’s account, describing both the dog’s sudden movement into the vehicle’s path and the method rescuers used to release it. Firefighters said they worked deliberately to minimize stress to the animal and to keep traffic flowing safely around the scene as the release was carried out.

Officials noted this incident fits a pattern seen in similar roadside rescues. Common causes of animals—especially pets like dogs—getting trapped under vehicles include backovers and frontovers in driveways or parking areas where drivers cannot see the animal in blind spots, and animals seeking shelter or warmth under parked cars. Wildlife may also become trapped under vehicles, leading to comparable rescue responses from emergency crews.

In addition to the immediate rescue, the department highlighted local animal-services resources for pet owners. Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) and the volunteer group Friends of PACC were noted as organizations that host free or low-cost microchipping and community events intended to reduce risks to pets. Information about PACC’s community programs is available on the county website, and owners with injured animals can contact Pima Animal Care Center at (520) 724-5900 ext. 4 for assistance. PACC’s Animal Protection Officers respond to and rescue sick and injured pets and provide resources to owners in need. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona also provides services and support for area pet owners.

Beyond emergency contacts, responders and animal organizations say routine measures can reduce the risk of pets ending up in dangerous roadway situations. Trainers and animal-care professionals often recommend building reliable curb and leash behaviors—training dogs to stop and sit at curbs and practicing commands like “stay” in safe areas—so animals are less likely to bolt into traffic. Using a secure leash and reinforcing safe-zone behaviors on sidewalks can make a difference when animals are near busy streets.

The Tucson Fire Department framed the rescue in measured terms, emphasizing the visible distress of the animal and the successful outcome for both people and the dog during a busy holiday period. Afterboarding the dog to animal control, crews cleared the scene and returned the roadway to normal traffic operations.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.