K9 Survives 2 Months In Highway Median

December 6, 2007

CALIFORNIA – A dog that's lived for two months in the median of America's busiest highway was rescued recently – animal control officials say short of a fractured leg, the dog is doing well.

Oleander the golden retriever-mix became well known among highway patrolmen, dispatchers and animal service workers – but only by reputation.

That's because the dog, which was living in the median of Interstate-10, known to be the nation's most used freeway. Attempts to capture the pooch were frequent and unfruitful.

But somehow, Oleander managed to survive. Animal control officers attempted to catch the dog, but it was elusive, escaping into thick Oleander bushes – hence the name Oleander.

John Welsh, Riverside County Animal Services spokesman said the dog probably survived on rodents and whatever it could find. But still, it weighed only 35 pounds when on November 17th, highway patrolman K.C. Phillips was able to coax Oleander into his squad car. He said the dog seemed too weak to make another escape.

Short of malnutrition and a fractured leg, Oleander seems to be alright. Vets from Riverside County Animal Services plan to operate later this month. In the meantime they are looking for a temporary foster home.

If you live in the Banning, California area and have an interest in fostering Oleander, please contact Jennifer Glenn at 951-358-7041. Oleander's animal ID is A472560.

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