Zeke is one lucky dog! You may not think so when you hear why and how the dog was rescued from a hot car. But, read through to the end and you will understand why I say that Zeke is lucky.
On July 14 Zeke’s owner, Tanner Stichka, was shot in an altercation at the local Walmart in Springfield, Missouri. Stichka was observed walking up to a pharmaceutical delivery van.
The local news station, KNWA-TV, informed the public that initially, no one was aware of Zeke waiting patiently in the car for Stichka to return. It was a hot July day and the temperature approached 90 degrees.
Finally, a bystander realized that Zeke was waiting in the hot car and they notified the police. Although it took an hour and a half for Zeke to be noticed, the police responded quickly to remedy the situation.
After The Dog Was Rescued
The bystanders watching the rescue praise the Springfield Police Department for their prompt response and the way they interacted with the recently bereaved dog. Check out the posted photos of Zeke in the car.
“About an hour and a half after the shooting, we got a call about Zeke in a hot car. When officers arrived, the door was unlocked and they were able to remove him and transport him to a local vet.
After the initial rescue, another SPD Officer stepped in to help
“SPD Officer Victoria Myers sat with Zeke before he was able to be admitted for the night. While at the vet, a good samaritan donated $100 for Zeke’s care.
“This morning Officers Adamson and Bashioum picked up Zeke and took him to his regular vet where he is waiting to be picked up by family.”
“Thank you to our community for your care and concern! Zeke is doing well!”
The victim’s family speaks up.
“We, Tanner’s family can’t thank the men and women of the Springfield dept. for all they have done and continue to do for us,” Rich Stichka commented.
“The people of Springfield should take pride of these officer’s and all they do, including taking care of a very lonely dog. He will forever will be a part of our family.”
Family and friends quickly spoke of Tanner Stichka’s love for Zeke when a few people questioned why he left Zeke in the car to begin with.
“Zeke was Tanners entire world and never would have intentionally put him in any danger,” Liz Calder wrote.
She also stated that “Tanner has a family and friends along with a community who are mourning the loss of such a great guy.”
Long term plans for Zeke’s care
Other members of the family spoke up as well. They stressed the fact that Zeke was very important to Tanner. Therefore, Zeke would be especially loved and cared for. He is the last tie that they have to the Tanner.
A cousin speaks up
“Tanner is my cousin I think my aunt and uncle are going to take him in,” Tyler Mallory wrote. “I would love to see him when I go back to Nebraska to be with everyone.” It is good to know that Zeke will be with this family.
In Conclusion…
Although a man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, he was eventually released without being charged. Zeke was returned to members of Stichka’s family.
Here is another story of a dog being rescued from a hot car. https://happymutt.org/army-veteran-saves-dog-left-inside-a-hot-car/
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal