The Idaho Springs Police Department recently gave a shoutout to the Colorado Department of Transportation personnel who “turned a potential highway disaster into a tail-wagging happy ending.”

According to the police department, the situation involved a dog (looks like a husky or husky-mix) that escaped from a home in Idaho Springs after a backyard fence was damaged by strong winds that blew through on December 10.

With the “little escape artist” bolting toward I-70 around mile marker 240, CDOT crews sprang into action to block one of the westbound lands and “stage the ultimate rescue mission.”

“With teamwork and quick thinking, they managed to pounce on the speedy stray before tragedy struck,” reads the report on the matter. “The owner was beyond grateful to have their furry friend back safe and sound. No injuries, just one very tired dog who flirted with danger and lived to tell the tail [sic].”

In video footage of the tail-end of the rescue, the dog does indeed appear tired, seen in the arms of a rescuer while vehicles zip by in a nearby lane.

Thankfully, this situation had a happy ending, but it does go to show how windy days can pose a serious risk to pets kept outdoors. Fences can be damaged, creating easy escape points. When a dog escapes, it’s not just the dog that’s at risk, either – the dog may be struck by a vehicle, which is tragic in itself, but it may also cause an automobile crash as people swerve to avoid it at a high speed, especially when an interstate is involved.

This incident can serve as a good reminder for pet owners to make sure all parts of their property are secured prior to letting a pet outside, as well as to be cautious of damage that may be sustained during a windy day.

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