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In a desolate patch beneath a California freeway overpass, an old discarded tire became the last refuge for three small dogs struggling to survive. Huddled together for shade and comfort, they were barely holding on in the oppressive heat and isolation. Their fate might have remained grim if not for a fortunate wrong turn.
A man who had taken an accidental detour spotted a white Terrier lying on top of a trash pile near the tire. Concerned by the dog’s condition and the brutal surroundings, he quickly called Faith Easdale, an experienced rescuer with Dream Fetchers: Project Rescue.
A Familiar Kind of Rescue
Faith, no stranger to the heartbreak of animal abandonment, immediately sprang into action. “It’s an everyday occurrence,” she shared with The Dodo, referring to the many dogs left behind near overpasses and in open fields. She contacted fellow rescuer Cassandra Aldridge, who rushed to the scene.
When Cassandra arrived, she discovered the white dog was not alone. Two others were curled up beside her inside the tire. Too weak and dehydrated to move, the trio remained motionless, barely aware of help arriving. Without hesitation, Cassandra carefully lifted the entire tire, with the dogs still inside, and placed it into her car.
First Relief, Then Rescue
Inside the vehicle, the air conditioning brought much-needed relief. When Faith met up with Cassandra, the two women gently worked to coax the frightened dogs out of the tire. They wrapped the trio in a blanket and offered fresh water. The pups, too exhausted to flee, gratefully drank and rested close to one another inside a crate.
“They just were so lethargic that they didn’t even want to run,” Faith said, touched by how calm they were once they felt safe.
A Symbolic Fresh Start
The three dogs were transported to a veterinary clinic for a thorough checkup. Though all were infested with fleas and ticks and suffering from irritated skin, they were now on the path to recovery. The rescuers gave them fitting names—Michelin, Pirelli, and Kumho—in honor of the tire that had sheltered them.
One touching moment stood out: the white dog gently laid her paw over one of the others, as if offering reassurance. That small act of comfort perfectly captured the deep bond the dogs shared and the emotional weight of their rescue.
Thanks to the compassion of two rescuers and a lucky twist of fate, the trio now has a chance to experience life beyond survival—a life filled with safety, care, and hope.
