Puppy ‘tossed’ on Idaho highway from moving vehicle reunited with owner as investigation continues

A 10-week-old puppy from Idaho is recovering after being reportedly thrown out a moving car on a highway, according to the police. On Tuesday, September 1, the Shih Tzu puppy was 'tossed' out a vehicle, according to the witness.

The incident reportedly occurred around 2:20 pm when an 84-year-old woman flagged an Idaho State Police Trooper claiming that she saw the puppy being tossed. However, the woman was unable to provide any further information regarding the alleged driver or the vehicle. She pulled over to stay with the puppy until additional help arrived. 

The press release issued by Idaho State Police stated that on being flagged by the woman, the trooper called Canyon County Animal Control. The puppy was later taken to a shelter. “The puppy is currently receiving care at the West Valley Humane Society. Folks at the Humane Society say the puppy is a Shitzu, and likely about 10 weeks old.”

“He suffered some road rash around his mouth and paws but otherwise, thankfully, appears okay. And the little dog will have a bright future; the woman who stopped to help the pup says she will adopt the dog if a proper owner isn't found,” it further read. 

In the following statement, it was noted that the troopers “would like to know just how the puppy ended up getting scuffed up on the interstate”. Further details were provided asking anybody with any relevant information to contact. The animal shelter via their social media platform shared a picture of the puppy and wrote that the required treatment was going on. The woman, who first spotted the puppy said, “Regardless of how you feel about dogs, I'm just amazed that someone would do that to a little puppy,” according to the police. 

Meanwhile, Idaho State Police Cpl. Brandon Bake said, “It definitely appeared a little frightened, almost kind of resentful when you tried to pet it, or comfort it, so it was definitely a scared little puppy for sure.” In their latest update, the police confirmed that the puppy had been re-united with its owners. “Investigating troopers have identified the rightful owner of a puppy found on I-84 yesterday afternoon.” 

“Troopers have been in contact with shelter managers at the West Valley Humane Society, where workers have been caring for the puppy since it was recovered. Although it appears the little dog will be reunited with his family, investigators with both Idaho State Police and Nampa Police would still like to find out who took the puppy,” it read further. 

The puppy reportedly belongs to a woman named Rosario Nunez who had reported her pet dog missing from her home in Nampa on September 1. She has called the puppy Panda, according to a report. She found out what happened to Panda through her sister before they reunited. 

According to KTVB, she said in a statement, “I was very upset, sad and mad at the same time. Why would people do that? It's a little animal, you have to treat them like family."