The retired K-9 was found safe 19 days after a vehicle accident, according to Navajo Hopi observers

Originally published: February 9, 2021 at 8 a.m.

HOLBROOK, Ariz. – A retired K-9 was found after driving a single vehicle following an accident in which its owner was found deceased.

The collision took place on State Route 377 at around 10:30 a.m. on January 11. There were two inmates and the service dog.

The owner of the retired K-9, Nushka, died on the spot.

However, the five-year-old Belgian Malinois ran off the scene. Attempts by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Troopers (DPS) and attempts by Navajo County’s sheriff deputies to locate Nushka were unsuccessful.

At the request of the DPS, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office attempted to search for the K-9 on the Sheriff’s Office social media page.

On January 12th, the Rim Country Team of the Humane Animal Rescue and Trapping Team (HARTT) immediately started intensive efforts to locate and rescue Nushka.

There have been some sightings and traces found in the 19 days that Nushka went missing. The region also experienced a major winter storm that swept through the area where Nushka had been seen.

Fearing the health and safety of Nushka, Gail Johnston of Heber, Ariz., Decided to help HARTT when needed.

At around 10 a.m. on January 30, Brent, a HARTT volunteer, met with Johnston to set a trap with food, water, and a camera.

At 12:42 p.m., Brent’s phone notified him of the movement in the trap, which turned out to be Nushka. The family was notified and Nushka was given a place at the Holbrook Animal Shelter to stay temporarily.

On February 2, Nushka was reunited with her family.

“I am grateful for the countless miles and time HARTT gave to save Nushka. It was an amazing result for everyone involved, including Nushka, ”said David Clouse, Navajo County Sheriff. “Thank you to the selfless volunteers who were able to reunite Nushka and her family.”

Information from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office