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RAA (paw) Patrol to the rescue

Rescuing pets is all in a day’s work for RAA Road Service.

By Lauren Ferrone
Last updated on: November 23, 2018 at 3:46 pm

You know what they say about dogs – RAA Patrols are a pup’s best friend. Well, that’s what we think, especially after one of our latest callouts.

Cookie – a 9-week-old staffordshire bull terrier – was rescued from a vehicle by RAA Patrol Andrew Kane today after the cheeky pup accidentally locked herself inside.

“I was dispatched to a service station on Brighton Rd after a member left their keys in the ignition for just a few moments. In that time, the puppy leant on the lock on the driver’s side door,” Andrew says.

“I arrived and just saw these puppy dog eyes staring up at me. I think the owner only had the pup for about week.”

RAA rescues puppy
RAA Patrol, Dean Holmes, also attended the callout and couldn’t help but cuddle Cookie.

While it’s not every day our patrols are called out to rescue cute pups in pink t-shirts like Cookie, the story’s a timely reminder that leaving fur babies unattended can be just as disastrous as leaving a child in a locked vehicle.

During his 17 years as an RAA Patrol, Andrew has attended about 40 jobs where pets, children – and even adults – have found themselves locked in vehicles.

Paw patrol

Since 2014, we’ve been to this many callouts to
rescue animals locked in cars each year.

RAA’s Senior Manager of Road Safety, Charles Mountain, says it’s important to remember that vehicles can get dangerously hot inside very quickly, even on a mild day.

“People who find themselves in situations like this need to act quickly, and try to remain as calm as possible so they don’t distress the pet,” he says.

Last summer, RAA attended 46 callouts from members who accidentally locked their pet in a vehicle. Some of these jobs have been easier to fix than others.

Cookie the pup
She looks pretty pleased after accidentally locking herself in the car.

“One of our other patrols was called out to free a dog who’d stepped on a remote locking device which had been left in the car console by the owner,” Mr Mountain says.

“When the patrol was attempting to enter the car, the dog accidentally stepped on the device again, unlocking the vehicle.”

We think it’s time to start recruiting for RAA’s Paw Patrol.

Did you know we do more than just rescue your furry friends? Here are just some of the other surprising situations where we can lend a helping hand on the road.

Help when you need it

Find out more about your Road Service options.

More info

Or call us on 8202 4610

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