Sometimes, a bench is the last place you want to be
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pets

For one unlucky pup, a summer evening relaxation spot turned into an unexpected rescue operation.

Chris DeWeese
ByChris DeWeese
10 hours agoUpdated: June 23, 2026, 5:42 am EDTPublished: June 23, 2026, 8:00 pm EDT
A dog named Moose with a trapped paw

(Galax Fire Department)

We've all been there — on a sweltering summer day, all you want to do is find a shady spot and park yourself on a bench. But for a dog named Moose in Galax, Virginia, one innocent bench encounter this past weekend turned into a full-scale emergency response.

On the evening of June 20, the Galax Fire Department received a call for an animal rescue after Moose found his paw severely pinned in the ornate arms of a bench seat at his family's home. The department's Rescue 4 unit was dispatched with its man-vs.-machine kit to help free the trapped pup.

To keep Moose calm and prevent further injury, the crew called in Dr. Heather from Healing Springs Animal Hospital, who arrived to sedate the canine. Once Moose was at ease, responders were able to carefully manipulate his paw free — and thankfully, no impalement was found.

A dog named Moose with a trapped paw

(Galax Fire Department)

Sedation was reversed, Moose was monitored until full function returned, and he was reunited with his very relieved family.

On social media, the Galax Fire Department gave a special shoutout to Dr. Heather, signing off with: "Thank you Doc!!! You are the best!!"

As for Moose? Hopefully, the next time he relaxes on his favorite bench, he'll remember to keep his paws away from ornate ironwork.

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