Oklahoma Deputies Rescue Injured Dog Trapped on Train Tracks for Days
Sheriff’s deputies in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, are being hailed as heroes after rescuing a severely injured dog that had been trapped on railroad tracks for nearly four days.
The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office shared heartwarming footage of the rescue on social media, showing the moment deputies Hutton and Captain Harding reached the helpless animal on March 27. The large dog had reportedly been struck by a train and was immobilized between the tracks, unable to move or call for help.
Due to the location, patrol vehicles couldn’t access the site. The deputies requested the department’s Side-by-Side utility vehicle to transport the dog to safety.
In the bodycam footage, one deputy gently cradled the dog while the other offered soothing words: “You’re okay, you’re okay.” Within minutes, they successfully lifted the dog and brought it to safety.
The dog was quickly reunited with its family and rushed to a local veterinarian for urgent medical treatment. Deputies later confirmed that the animal had been injured three days earlier and had remained stuck without food, water, or shelter.
“This could have ended in tragedy,” the department wrote. “We’re grateful the dog was found and is now on the road to recovery.”
Community Praise
Locals flooded the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page with praise.
“These guys do it all,” one commenter wrote. “Best sheriff, best deputies, best K9s, and best technology. Just the best.”
“Great job officers. So glad this guy found his way back to his people,” another added.
Mike Howell, the locomotive engineer who originally spotted the dog while operating a train, shared in the comments that he was the one who reported it to authorities.
“I’m so happy this turned out well,” Howell said. “I couldn’t just do nothing. I’ve seen so many heartbreaking endings when animals get near railroads. This was a one-in-a-million rescue.”
A Message of Caution
Howell hopes the rescue raises awareness.
“Please keep your pets safe and contained,” he urged. “Too many don’t get a second chance like this one.”
The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office echoed his sentiments and wished the injured dog a full and speedy recovery.