Dog Missing More Than 30 Days Rescued From Storm Drain

SPRING VALLEY, CA — A small dog missing for more than 30 days was rescued from an East County storm drain Monday and reunited with her owner.

Animal control officers responded to the 600 block of Felicita Avenue in Spring Valley after finding the small dog unable to climb out of the drain. Officer Myers climbed inside and used treats to coax the dog close before lifting her to Lt. Raygosa at street level, according to the county.

The dog was taken to the Bonita animal shelter, where staff cleaned, fed, vaccinated her and checked for a microchip. She appeared underweight, very hungry and had a dirty coat, indicating she may have been missing for some time.

Later Monday, a woman arrived at the shelter looking for her missing dog, Teddy. She told staff her family had spent more than a month searching, including posting flyers, driving through the neighborhood and working with local dog rescuers.

Shelter staff confirmed the rescued dog was Teddy.

Staff said Teddy initially appeared withdrawn but became alert when she saw her owner, wagging her tail and howling. Her owner thanked the shelter staff for helping bring Teddy home.