Dog saved on Arizona highway, reconnected with owner

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A lost dog was finally reunited with its owner on New Year's Eve after being spotted on a freeway traffic camera. The incident took place in west Phoenix, where Nala, a large white dog, was found and safely returned to her family.

The discovery was made by Scott Stenbakken, an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Supervisor, who noticed the dog on a camera feed. According to a January 2 ADOT statement, Stenbakken immediately alerted the Department of Public Safety (DPS) about the situation.

Stenbakken then turned to social media to help identify the dog. He checked the Facebook page "Straydar for Arizona, USA," a group with over 128,000 members that is commonly used by residents to report missing or found animals.

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While browsing the page, Stenbakken came across a photo of a dog that closely resembled Nala. He commented on the post, which led to the realization that the dog he had seen on the camera was indeed Nala. The information was shared with the owner, who confirmed the identity of the dog.

Once the owner was contacted, a DPS trooper was sent to the scene. The trooper managed to secure Nala with a leash and prevented her from entering the I-10 freeway, which is a high-traffic area. This step was crucial in ensuring the dog’s safety and preventing any potential accidents.

After securing Nala, the DPS trooper reached out to the owner. A relative of the owner was able to pick up the dog, bringing her back to her family just in time for the start of the new year.

ADOT issued a reminder to the public about the importance of not attempting to rescue animals on their own if they are found near freeways or in travel lanes. Instead, the department advised people to call 911 to ensure the safety of both the animals and the individuals involved.

This story highlights the power of community and technology in reuniting lost pets with their families. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of staying alert and taking the right steps when encountering animals in dangerous situations.