Some may be surprised to learn this: sanitation workers are often unexpected heroes for animals in need. It’s not unusual for them to come across creatures who have ended up in the trash — whether they were scavenging for food or were cruelly thrown away. In such cases, these sanitation workers frequently go above and beyond to ensure these animals receive the help they desperately need. One recent story highlights a garbage truck driver who became a lifesaver for a dog that found herself in a dangerous situation.

Thanks to his quick thinking and sharp eye, this dog narrowly escaped a tragic fate. According to the Capital Area Humane Society in Michigan, an employee from Granger Waste Services was out on his route in the early hours of July 19 when he noticed an unexpected passenger in his truck — a small, white dog. How exactly she ended up among the garbage remains unclear, but the route included stops at commercial-grade dumpsters, suggesting the dog had already endured quite an ordeal by the time she was discovered.

“It is almost unbelievable that she endured being transferred from a dumpster, into a garbage truck, and then, endured the journey and the unloading process,” the Capital Area Humane Society shared on their Facebook page.

The dog went through a traumatic experience but was fortunate to have been spotted before things took an even darker turn. Without the driver’s sharp eye, she could have ended up in the trash compactor, facing a grim fate. “Without his keen eye, she would have certainly suffered a horrific fate,” the Humane Society explained.

Thankfully, the dog is now safe and in stable condition, while Ingham County Animal Control conducts an investigation into the case. Because of the ongoing cruelty investigation, the Capital Area Humane Society has stated that the dog will not be put up for adoption just yet and will remain in protective custody for the time being.

While the investigation continues and many questions remain unanswered, one thing is clear: the driver who saved this dog is a true hero. In fact, the humane society has received a surprising number of inquiries about him, prompting them to add a playful note: “For those of you who have shown interest in the Granger employee, he is not available for adoption either,” they quipped.

A huge thank you to this quick-thinking hero for rescuing this poor dog and giving her a second chance at life! We hope that everything works out and that this brave pup soon finds a loving home where she can feel safe and cherished for the rest of her life.