Dog abandoned on the highway trusts no one until a tragic event changes everything

Rambo's story began on the busy I-40 in Gallup, New Mexico. This small black dog, later named Rambo, was found on a narrow median, scavenging for food scraps from nearby stores to stay alive. Despite the harsh and dangerous living conditions in such a precarious place, Rambo's determination and resilience radiated and captured the hearts of everyone he encountered. His survival in such an inhospitable environment was simply remarkable, making him a symbol of hope and perseverance for animals and humans alike.

Rambo was first spotted in February when concerned residents reported a stray dog wandering the dangerous stretch of highway. Tiffany Hubbard, director of Gallup Animal Protection, and her team immediately jumped into action. However, Rambo proved incredibly elusive, dodging every trap set for him. Despite constant frustration, the team never gave up hope of rescuing the determined dog.

Sergio Sobredo, an emergency medical technician from Florida, was staying at a hotel near the highway when he noticed the small black dog. Impressed by Rambo's resilience, he decided to do something. Inspired by Rambo's tenacity and spirit, he named the dog Rambo and contacted the local animal control agency, determined to help the stray dog he had grown fond of from afar. His determination marked the beginning of a nationwide effort to save Rambo.

Sobredo's tireless efforts did not go unnoticed. His emails and calls sparked a broader response from animal rescue organizations across New Mexico. Among them was NM-DOG, an organization dedicated to rescuing dogs in distress. Angela Stell, the director of NM-DOG, decided to join the mission. They began work on setting up a special trap called the Missy Trap, designed to capture elusive dogs like Rambo. This advanced trap, equipped with cameras and remote controls, was their best chance of safely capturing him.

Despite the concerted efforts and the sophisticated Missy Trap in the works, Rambo was able to evade capture time and time again. His ability to navigate the median and avoid people demonstrated his incredible survival instincts, but also posed a significant challenge to his would-be rescuers. The community watched with bated breath, hoping for Rambo's safe capture. Tragically, before the Missy Trap could be deployed, Rambo was struck by a vehicle on the highway. The news was devastating to everyone involved in his rescue, highlighted the dangers faced by stray dogs and underscored the urgency of the rescue effort.

Despite the sadness of losing Rambo, his story sparked a new commitment among rescue workers. Sobredo, who originally named Rambo and spearheaded the rescue effort, continued to support NM-DOG. Together with Angela Stell, they decided to see the Missy Trap project through to the end. Rambo's legacy should not end with his untimely death; rather, it should serve as a catalyst for future rescues. The trap would be dedicated to Rambo's memory, a symbol of hope and determination.

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The Missy Trap, funded largely by Sobredo and sponsored by NM-DOG, is now a beacon of hope for other wild dogs. Equipped with cameras and remote controls, this sophisticated device is designed to safely and humanely capture elusive stray dogs and represents the culmination of efforts by various organizations and individuals united by Rambo's story.

Although Rambo himself could not be saved, Missy Trap is a testament to what can be accomplished when communities come together for a common cause. Rambo's story, while filled with heartbreak, ends on a hopeful note for other dogs. His legacy lives on through Missy Trap, who will save countless other dogs from the dangers of a life on the streets. Animal rescue teams across New Mexico continue to work together, inspired by a small black dog who once roamed the median of I-40. Rambo may be gone, but his spirit lives on, bringing people together and saving lives in his memory.

Click on the video below to watch this incredible story!