While walking near the Palm Beach car park in Cannes, France, a passer-by noticed something deeply concerning. Inside a car parked in the direct sun, a tiny animal was barely moving.
As he went closer to the tightly shut windows, he saw a miniature puppy curled up, desperately searching for a cool spot. Without a second thought, the observant witness called the local police.
Officers arrived at the scene within minutes. The outside temperature had reached 30°C (86°F), but inside the closed vehicle, the thermometer was quickly climbing past 40°C (104°F). Luckily, the officers spotted a tiny gap in one of the windows. This allowed them to act quickly and pull the young pup to safety.
A life-saving rescue just in the nick of time
Named Patchi, the puppy was no more than two months old. Exhausted from the severe heatstroke, the little creature was immediately taken to a vet. He was later handed over to the "Au service des animaux" shelter.
The poor pup had a lucky escape, as he was neither weaned nor microchipped. Experts warn that dogs do not sweat and find it very difficult to regulate their body temperature, which makes being trapped in a hot car rapidly fatal.
A brand new start
More than an hour after the rescue was over, the driver finally returned to the vehicle and was questioned by the police.
Thankfully, little Patchi is now out of danger. He is being cared for and thoroughly spoiled by the shelter team, slowly regaining his strength as he gets ready for a loving new home.