Trapped Along the Highway Shoulder
Torn shreds of heavy black plastic dragged through the gravel as the golden retriever took each slow step along the highway shoulder.
Semis and cars rushed past just inches away on the asphalt, blowing dust across his matted coat. Black plastic was twisted tightly around his torso and front legs, restricting his movement with every stride.
He kept his head lowered, eyes looking down at the dirt as vehicles sped past at highway speeds.
A Driver Stops the Truck
A white service truck pulled onto the narrow gravel shoulder and came to a stop several yards ahead.
A woman wearing a high-visibility yellow jacket leaned out the driver’s side window to assess the situation. She opened her door and stepped down into the gravel, moving slowly toward the rear of the vehicle.
Crouching low beside the guardrail, she extended an open hand outward and spoke quietly.
The dog paused his forward motion, lifting his head cautiously to sniff her fingertips.
Cutting Away the Heavy Plastic
Putting on blue safety gloves, the woman reached into her gear for a pair of yellow-handled heavy-duty shears.
Another highway worker positioned orange traffic cones along the lane line to give them working room as traffic continued to pass.
The woman slid the blunt edge of the blade under the thick folds of black plastic wrapped around the dog’s chest.
With deliberate, careful snips, she severed each tight layer of plastic binding the dog’s legs and midsection.
As the final loop fell away onto the gravel, the retriever stretched his shoulders and took a full, unhindered breath.
A Moment on the Roadside
The woman set down a silver metal bowl filled with fresh water on the gravel beside him.
The dog leaned down to lap from the bowl before turning his head to press his wet nose against her cheek.
She rubbed both hands through the damp fur along his neck and ribs, smiling as he leaned his weight into her knees.
As the orange sunset filled the sky behind the parked service truck, the woman knelt on the pavement, holding the dog close while he rested his chin over her shoulder.
Send this to someone who always stops for animals in need.