Puppy zip-tied, abandoned on Arizona highway rescued by trucker, troopers say

A puppy was discovered injured and abandoned near an Interstate 10 exit ramp in Benson earlier this month. Currently, the puppy is in the process of recovering and awaiting adoption.

The puppy was found to have been "cruelly abandoned" on October 20th, with a tightly fastened zip tie around her throat, as reported by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A truck driver passing through the area spotted the puppy and pulled aside to remove the zip tie and give her water while a state trooper responded to the location.

Trooper Iliana Magallanes went to the scene and found the puppy with injuries including a swollen neck and bloodshot eyes. Magallanes took care of the puppy, which was friendly and happy despite her condition, the department said.

Magallanes carried the puppy on her lap and kept her comfortable with a blanket and "plenty of attention" while taking her to Benson Animal Shelter, where Magallanes secured a spot for the young pup, the department said.

At the shelter, the puppy received a veterinary check-up and underwent treatment for a few issues found during her examination. The puppy was doing "remarkably well" and was at a foster home and pending adoption as of Monday, according to the department.

"Great work by everyone who came together to help this pup! Thank you to the truck driver who stopped to save her, and to Benson Animal Shelter, Paws and Claws, for ensuring she gets healthy and finds a good home," the department said on a Facebook post.

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