It was one of the hottest days of the year in Philadelphia—July 25, with temperatures pushing 98 degrees and the pavement radiating heat like an oven. As Corinthia Johnson walked near 13th and Jefferson Streets, she noticed something that made her heart sink: several animals were trapped inside a parked car.
There was no water. No open windows. Just a sealed metal box baking in the sun.
Without hesitation, she called 911.
Temple University Police arrived quickly. Officer Arashdeep Bawa was among the responders—and as a dog owner himself, what he saw made his stomach drop. The car’s internal temperature had reached 102 degrees. Inside were seven dogs and a cat, all showing signs of heat stress—panting heavily, lethargic, and some lying in their own waste.
“I was very concerned,” Bawa later shared. “I have dogs of my own, and I wanted to make sure that these dogs were okay.”
The officers moved fast. They broke into the vehicle, carefully removing each animal one by one. There was no time to lose.
Johnson, who watched the rescue unfold, called the officers her “angels.”
“I am so thankful that Temple police showed up,” she said, fighting back tears. “They’re my angels, and they always seem to show up when it matters. I appreciate Temple University, I really do.”
After the pets were safely extracted, they were rushed to ACCT Philly, the city’s animal care and control team. There, they received urgent treatment, hydration, and a much-needed chance to recover.
Now, some of these survivors are hoping for the next miracle: a forever home.
Two of the rescued pups—Sky and Winter, sweet 4-year-old Shih Tzu mixes—are currently being cared for at Doggy Style Pets and are looking to be adopted together. They’ve already endured so much, and they cling to each other like siblings.
The cat, a 4-year-old orange tabby named Sunny, is resting at ACCT Philly and awaiting a loving home of her own.
What began as a moment of horror ended in hope, thanks to one good Samaritan and a team of officers who didn’t hesitate to act.
These animals were saved not just from a hot car—but from a fate far worse.
Now, they just need someone to open the next door… the one that leads home. 🐾
To adopt or learn more, visit ACCT Philly or Doggy Style Pets.
