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Newark, NJ — Animal rescue organization ODODIJ Rescue successfully extracted a trapped dog from a drainage ditch near the corner of Ferry and Jackson Streets on Wednesday morning, following a call from a local resident.
The dog was spotted by a woman during her morning walk. She initially thought debris had washed into the gutter overnight, but upon closer inspection discovered a dog huddled against the wall, surrounded by mud, crushed cans, and plastic bottles.
ODODIJ’s team arrived on scene roughly 30 minutes after the call. The dog — an estimated 2-to-3-year-old mixed breed — was found visibly exhausted, his coat matted with mud, wedged into a narrow gap between two concrete walls no wider than about 15 inches. He was shaking but conscious.
Rescue technician Maya Collins said the dog was too frightened to respond to verbal cues at first. The team spent nearly 20 minutes working slowly — staying low, speaking quietly, and offering food — before he allowed anyone to approach.
“He wasn’t aggressive at all. Just scared,” Collins said. “Once he felt safe, he came right to us.”
The dog was given a preliminary health check on site before being transported to ODODIJ’s veterinary partner. He showed signs of mild malnutrition and had several minor scrapes, but no serious injuries were found.
His collar was heavily corroded with no readable identification. A microchip scan came back negative. ODODIJ has opened a lost pet report and will move forward with adoption placement if no owner comes forward within 10 days.
This marks the organization’s 47th rescue in Essex County this year. ODODIJ Rescue operates as a nonprofit, funded primarily through community donations and volunteer support.
Anyone with information about the dog’s owner, or interested in adoption, is encouraged to contact ODODIJ Rescue through their website or social media pages.
