Chihuahua rescued from busy highway reunited with owners

A 2-year-old Chihuahua rescued from the concrete divider of a busy Northern California highway is safely home with its owners, who had been searching for it for days.

The dog named Charm had reportedly dug a hole under the family’s fence and escaped, probably running toward a nearby onramp to Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek, said Lt. Jane Andreotti of Contra Costa Animal Services.

After escaping the family’s home, the dog ran across traffic lanes, avoiding cars and somehow hopped onto the divider. Fearing for its life, the Chihuahua clutched onto the divider and remained there until authorities arrived, she said.

“It’s highly unusual but not impossible,” Andreotti said. “When they are frightened, they will do crazy things.”

Photos of a California Highway Patrol officer coaxing the dog with a fruit and nut mix to come closer went viral this week. Soon after, an animal control officer pulled the dog to safety, shielding it with a blanket.

The dog’s owners -- a man and his two daughters -- had been frantically searching for Charm, even posting photographs of their missing pup on Instagram.

Soon after, they learned their dog was safe at the animal shelter in Martinez.

During an emotional reunion this week, the family thanked Animal Control Officer Andrew Tara for keeing their dog safe.

Tara has worked with the family to secure their home fence to avoid any future escape attempts.