A puppy found abandoned in a storm drain in Austin, Texas, is in need of a forever home this holiday season.
The Dec. 5 rescue involved “quick action from an Austin resident” as well as “heroic efforts from the Austin Fire Department,” according to information provided to PEOPLE from the animal rescue Austin Pets Alive (APA!),
“It all started when Austin resident Cassie heard strange cries while taking out the trash,” APA! tells PEOPLE. “Following the sound, she found a soaked and shivering puppy caught against chicken wire in a storm drain.”
“Cassie and her maintenance team tried everything to free the puppy, even calling (the non-emergency help line) 311, only to be told help could take 24 to 48 hours. Knowing time was critical, she turned to the Austin Fire Department, who arrived within 25 minutes. After several attempts, a firefighter descended into the drain, and the puppy was finally pulled to safety,” they added.
The 12-week-old puppy — who weighed less than 4 lbs — was warmed and dried, then “eventually taken to Austin Animal Center and then to APA!, where she could receive specialized medical attention.”
Cassie Jo
The rescue organization has since given the Jack Russell Terrier the name Poinsettia and noted that she requires specialized attention due to “seizures and a possible leg injury.” However, the rescue also says they are “determined to give her the chance she deserves.”
APA!'s medical team estimates the cost of Poinsettia's initial care amounted to about $500 and says they will continue monitoring her health, noting that her seizures are currently “under control with medication.”
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Austin Pets Alive
“Poinsettia will soon be ready for a foster home,” they shared. “Thanks to Cassie's determination, the bravery of the Austin Fire Department, and the dedicated APA! Medical team, this resilient puppy is well on her way to recovery.”
Cassie, meanwhile, shared that acting to help the abandoned puppy was intuitive. “I've always been a dog person,” she said. “It's in my heart to help them.”
You can donate here to help APA! cover Poinsettia's medical fees, as well as provide her with all the basic essentials a healthy and happy puppy needs.