Watch CBS News

Walgreens employee rescues dog from woman trying to strangle it with charger cable

A customer went into a Walgreen's store in Wheat Ridge on Sunday and told an employee that she heard a terrible noise coming from inside a vehicle in the parking lot. That employee, "Rita," went outside and saw a woman trying to strangle the dog with a phone charging cord. 

wheat-ridge-dog-rescue-wheat-ridge-pd-2-copy.jpg
Wheat Ridge Police

She and other employees rushed to help and the dog escaped from the car. Rita quickly corralled the dog and she and her manager used a leash from the store to secure the pup so she wouldn't run into traffic. They called 911. 

When EMS personnel and police officers responded, the woman said she was having a mental health crisis. She was taken to the hospital but is facing felony animal cruelty charges. 

The dog is a one-year-old named Roni and sustained injuries but is expected to be okay. Roni remains under medical observation at a veterinary hospital and will be cared for by people trained to handle animals who have experienced trauma. 

wheat-ridge-dog-rescue-wheat-ridge-pd-copy.jpg
Wheat Ridge Police

Roni may be available for adoption soon but Rita has indicated that she would be honored to give Roni a loving home. 

Rita posted for a picture with law enforcement after the rescue. 

According to Wheat Ridge police, "Rita- Roni is lucky to have crossed your path and so are we. Thank you."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue