Dog rescued from SEPTA train platform in West Philadelphia

A small dog named "Dottie" is safe after getting trapped on a SEPTA train track beam at the 63rd and Market platform Sunday.

Witnesses saw the dog, a small black Shih Tzu mix, running along the tracks Sunday evening before getting stuck on top of one of the support pillars. SEPTA police contacted ACCT Philly's Animal Protection officers, who, with the help of SEPTA maintenance workers, brought in a cherry picker to reach the stranded pup.

In a rescue video posted to ACCT Philly's Facebook page, Animal Protection Officer Kevin says, "Don't jump, bud," before getting close enough to pull the visibly shaken dog to safety with a leash and a blanket.

"We're incredibly relieved that this little dog is safe," ACCT Philly said in a statement. "We're grateful to SEPTA Police and SEPTA maintenance for working with our team to ensure she could be rescued safely."

ACCT Philly believes Dottie likely has a previous owner, but she is not microchipped. If she is not claimed by an owner Tuesday, she will be transferred to Street Tails Animal Rescue. 

While there is expected to be plenty of interest in Dottie, ACCT Philly wants to remind potential adopters there are many other dogs still waiting for homes as well.

"She's going to get hundreds of people interested in adopting her because she's had this high-profile story, and everybody's going to see the story and be moved. But there are so many dogs just like her, and the only difference is we don't know their story," ACCT Philly Executive Director Sarah Barnett said.