Dog Found Lying Helpless in a Ditch Under Scorching Arizona Heat
In Bisbee, Arizona, a heartbreaking discovery was made when a woman contacted Little Lotus Rescue and Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to saving dogs at risk of euthanasia. She reported finding a dog on her property who “didn’t look good” — unable to walk and lying helplessly in a ditch.
When rescuers arrived, the situation was far more dire than they imagined. The temperatures had soared above 94 degrees, and the dog had been lying in a shallow, water-filled creek all day, desperately trying to cool her frail body. Shockingly, she was found only a few steps away from the woman’s front door and a nearby shed that could have offered shelter — yet no explanation was given as to why help hadn’t come sooner.
Little Lotus Rescue immediately stepped in. Their first observations were grim: the dog’s nails were very long and unworn, clear signs she had been immobile for quite some time. She was dangerously emaciated, severely dehydrated, and her body was failing her. Bloodwork later revealed kidney and liver failure, as well as a dangerously low red blood cell count.
Her condition was described as critical. Every hour became a fight for survival. Yet, in the midst of the struggle, there was a glimmer of hope — by day six, she made it through the night without a seizure. “By no means are we out of the woods,” the rescue shared in an update, “but hopefully, we can now learn more about her true medical condition prior to what led her into the ditch.”
Authorities confirmed that the woman who reported the dog would not face charges, as she claimed the dog was a stray.
Now, Little Lotus Rescue and Sanctuary continues to provide round-the-clock care, refusing to give up on this fragile soul. They remain hopeful that with time, treatment, and love, she will overcome the odds stacked against her.
If you would like to support her recovery, you can donate directly to Little Lotus Rescue and Sanctuary via their website. And remember — if you ever encounter an animal in distress, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local rescue or use one of the many Animal Rescue Hotlines. Sometimes, one phone call is all it takes to save a life.