ANIMALS

Kind Stranger Finds Dog Trapped on Moving Train Track and Acts Swiftly to Rescue

Recently, the people working at City of San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) got a panicked phone call about a dog that was stuck on a train track where trains were still running. The person who called wasn’t sure if the dog was purposely left there or if its leash accidentally got caught on the track. They understood that immediate action was necessary before a train approached.

Officer Edwards, an animal care officer, hurried to the location and discovered a yellow Labrador, who was later given the name Lucky, lying on the train tracks. As he approached the dog, Officer Edwards realized the gravity of Lucky’s predicament.

Image source: City Of San Antonio Animal Care Services

“Officer Edwards noticed the leash tied to Lucky’s neck was secured to the tracks with a nail, tightening more and more as he pulled away,” SAACS wrote on Facebook. “Lucky was very scared and certainly not ready to trust anyone.”

Despite Lucky’s fear, Officer Edwards was resolute in gaining the dog’s trust and saving him from the tracks before a train arrived. With caution, the animal control officer approached Lucky and successfully secured him using a humane catch pole just a few minutes later.

While taking off the tangled leash from the dog’s neck, Officer Edwards’ greatest fear turned into a harsh reality: he could hear the sound of a train approaching in the distance.

“Officer Edwards moved quickly and safely, helping Lucky off the tracks,” SAACS wrote. “Before they could make it back to the animal transport vehicle, a train zoomed past!”

Image source: City Of San Antonio Animal Care Services

Luckily, when the train rushed by, Lucky was already in the secure embrace of Officer Edwards. They both observed as the train swiftly passed by, and then they hopped into the van to commence Lucky’s thrilling new adventure.

The SAACS team greeted Lucky with warm embraces and conducted a thorough examination to ensure his well-being before settling him comfortably into his own kennel. Now, with a secure spot to rest at night, the previously frightened dog gradually began to trust and connect with others.

“After some time to settle down, Lucky seems to feel much more open to befriending people,” SAACS wrote. “[He] needs a [forever] family!”

Image source: City Of San Antonio Animal Care Services

SAACS posted Lucky’s incredible rescue story on Facebook, and in just a week, they received numerous messages from people interested in adopting him. Among them was Mr. C., who saw the post and immediately felt a strong connection with Lucky. He promptly arranged a meeting and, upon meeting Lucky, Mr. C. knew right away that the pup was the perfect companion for him.

“As soon as I met him, I could tell he was exactly the kind of dog that would fit in with my family. He was so chill and unbothered,” Mr. C told SAACS, as shared on Facebook.

Image source: City Of San Antonio Animal Care Services

Mr. C. spent half an hour bonding with Lucky at SAACS before making the important choice to bring him home forever. Just a few days later, Lucky’s adoption was completed, and the affectionate pup was officially prepared for his new life with a caring family.

Duke, formerly known as Lucky, has settled comfortably into his new home and is now even happier with his new dad.

Image source: City Of San Antonio Animal Care Services

Duke’s buddies at SAACS are still unsure about how he ended up on the train tracks, but they are incredibly glad that they managed to save him just in time and provide him with the wonderful life he deserved.

“We’re not sure if Lucky’s leash caught the nail as he walked past or if someone secured him,” SAACS wrote. “But we are beyond grateful to those who reported this situation to 3-1-1, and Animal Care Officer Edwards for getting him to safety!”

ANIMALS

Amazing Video of Unseen Ocean Creatures in the Ningaloo Canyons

The Schmidt Ocean Institute recently explored the Ningaloo Canyons on the western coast of Australia using a robotic underwater vehicle called the ROV Sebastian. Check out the amazing video of what they discovered in the deep parts of the Indian Ocean.

More info: Youtube

ANIMALS

These Pics Are Art and the Artists Are Insects

Flying insects move so quickly that they are hard to follow, but new technology and some smart ideas have helped Spanish photographer Xavi Bou do just that. After spending 10 years focusing on birds in flight for his Ornithographies project, he turned his attention to insects.

For Entomographies, he uses high-speed video footage taken by Adrian Smith, an insect expert at North Carolina State University, to study and record how insects move. Bou then picks multiple frames and combines them into single images that show the fast movements of one or more insects through space and time.

With Smith’s help, Bou has captured the aerial tricks of wasps, the jumps of leafhoppers, and the fluttering of butterflies in amazing detail. He hopes that by doing this, he can make people more aware of the decline in important insect populations around the world.

1. Zebra longwing

This butterfly, which is common in many areas of the Americas, really fits its name. It can fly very high with just a few flaps of its large wings.