A San Diego Animal Control Officer rescued a dog stuck in a storm drain in Lakeside.
A couple reported seeing the white dog go into the storm drain along El Monte Road near Lake Jennings Park Road Tuesday night.
Officer Lorie Schwar with the San Diego Department of Animal Services responded, and says it was a difficult rescue.
"He kind of crammed himself in there,” Schwar said. "You know that they’re scared so you approach them with a calm voice. Patience, lots of patience."
Schwar says the two-year-old male pit bull was in pretty bad shape.
“Scrape marks all over his face," she said. "He’s got what appears to be maybe a bite wound or a puncture wound on an arm. He’s got something going on in his right leg.”
Schwar says it's possible the dog was hit by a car or got into a fight with another dog or wildlife. He's recovering at the Bonita Animal Shelter.
“He’s very skinny, very dirty, covered in ticks,” she said.
The dog did not have a microchip and was not neutered. County animal officials are asking the owner to come forward and claim the dog. If no owner is found, the dog will be put up for adoption once he heals.
“This is our job, this is what we train for all the time," Schwar said. "And being able to do that is incredibly heartwarming. Because you know that whatever happens you have saved a life and you have made a life better.”
Donations to help injured and sick animals regain their health through surgery, medicine and follow-up care can be made to the Spirit Medical Fund.
