Good Samaritan Fought Through Highway Traffic to Retrieve Injured Dog and Take Him to Safety
For Immediate Release:
March 3, 2011
Contact:
Kristin Richards 757-622-7382
Florissant, Mo. — Recently, Florissant resident Donna Oelze was driving to work when she spied another woman trying to catch a lost dog named Dusty who was wandering near the side of Interstate 270. Oelze, who works at VCA Bal-Coeur Animal Hospital, pulled over and, using a leash that she keeps in her car for such occasions, attempted to assist the other woman—but Dusty ran out into traffic and was struck by a car. Oelze immediately jumped into her car and inched it onto the highway, blocking traffic. She later told news sources, "There was no way I'd let him get hit again." Using a blanket as a sling, Oelze hoisted the 55-pound dog into her vehicle and drove him to the veterinary hospital, where Dr. David Hart treated him for his injuries. Dusty was soon reunited with his family at the hospital. For her heroic deed, Oelze will receive PETA's Compassionate Action Award.
"Donna Oelze had the heart and courage to make sure that Dusty survived this frightening and painful accident," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Her heroism is a compelling reminder that each one of us can provide lifesaving help to animals in need."
PETA encourages everyone to keep an animal rescue kit like Oelze's in the car—a leash and a blanket can be used to save a life.
Oelze will receive a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation. She isn't the only brave animal rescuer in the St. Louis area—recently, the St. Louis Fire Department received an award from PETA for rescuing a dog who had fallen through the ice on O'Fallon Park Lake.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.