Woman Hears Cries While Taking Out Trash, Shocked at What She Finds

The quick-thinking of residents in Austin, Texas, and the combined efforts of the local pet rescue and fire department have saved the life of a tiny 4-pound puppy.

Austin resident Cassie Jo heard faint cries while taking out the trash, and when she investigated further, she found a small, soaked Jack Russell puppy, tangled in chicken wire and trapped in a storm drain.

Determined to save the helpless animal, Jo and her apartment's maintenance team attempted to free her but were unsuccessful.

After being told by their local citizen hotline that assistance could take 24-48 hours, Jo turned to the Austin Fire Department. Within 25 minutes, firefighters arrived on the scene, assessing the situation and ultimately sending one of their team members into the drain to rescue the puppy.

A picture of Poinsettia moments after she was rescued from the storm drain, left and the small dog now being cared for by Austin Pets Alive!, right. A picture of Poinsettia moments after she was rescued from the storm drain, left and the small dog now being cared for by Austin Pets Alive!, right. Cassie Jo & Austin Pets Alive!

Jo later shared what had happened in a post on Facebook where she wrote: "We rescued a dog that was found in the storm drain in my apartment. I already have a dog and my little one—my hands are full. I'm trying to find this little guy a home or a foster who can help."

The post quickly gained attention as people offered support and shared the story. This lead to the puppy—later named Poinsettia—to be taken to the Austin Animal Center, where she was estimated to be about 11 weeks old. From there, she was transferred to Austin Pets Alive (APA!) for specialized medical care.

At APA!, veterinarians treated Poinsettia for seizures with anti-seizure medications and antibiotics to rule out infections. Despite initial concerns about a leg injury, the medical team found no signs of pain or lameness. Poinsettia's seizures are now under control, and she is on the path to recovery, with her initial care costs estimated at $500.

Pictures of the rescue team surrounding the storm drain where Poinsettia was found, and Poinsettia enjoying some down time at APA! Pictures of the rescue team surrounding the storm drain where Poinsettia was found, and Poinsettia enjoying some down time at APA! Cassie Jo & Austin Pets Alive!

"I've always been a dog person," Jo said. "It's in my heart to help them. If people have a good heart, they should help, too. It's not their fault they're out here with no help."

This is far from the first time an animal has had to be rescued from a storm drain, last year firefighters in Denver were called to rescue a blind Shih Tzu who fell into a road drainage opening.

Before that, a cat in Stafford County, Virginia, was rescued by police and officials after being found "wedged" in a storm drain. The cat, affectionately dubbed "Storm," was sedated and removed from the drain before being taken to a shelter to be cared for.