Freeway dog finds a new home

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Thanks to the work of Department of Animal Control and Care (DACC) officers, the 2-year-old male pit bull mix two weeks ago got a new home during the holidays.

Rudolph, as the volunteers at the named it, was placed with a new owner in Venice on New Year's Eve, said Evelina Villa, a DACC spokeswoman.

“Although a bit shy at first, he was very kind and gentle, especially when he visited with his new owner,” said Lance Hunter, shelter manager for the county Animal Care Center in Baldwin Park. 

The dog was rescued on Dec. 21 after county animal control officials received a request for assistance from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The dog was seen jumping the center divider on the 10 freeway, just east of the 605. 

The dog was apparently running through traffic and reportedly living on the center median area, which is under construction. The 10 freeway was shut down by CHP for several minutes during the rescue.

The story has a happy ending with the dog's adoption. Its new owner has renamed him Rudy.

DACC officials caution against anyone attempting to catch a stray animal on or near a freeway. Motorists are asked to contact the California Highway Patrol if they see an animal on the freeway.

For more information about animal care and control or to view adoptable animals online, visit the animal control Web site.