Linda Strauss’ Friday morning commute started out like any other. And as she made her way toward work on the same Oakland streets she travels every day, it would have been easy to simply pass by a fellow commuter who had stopped with what appeared to be a flat tire or car trouble. But something nagged at Linda and she decided to make a U-turn to check in with the motorist.

From her new vantage point, Linda could see that she was encountering something much more horrifying than a flat tire. The other driver was sitting beside what appeared to be two dead dogs. But closer inspection shined some hope on the tragic scene. One of the dogs was, in fact, alive, although Linda and the other Good Samaritan, Lala, knew he was in danger. The dog was suffering from severe malnutrition and hypothermia. A member of the East Bay SPCA, Linda suggested that the two drive to the nearby Oakland facility. She even called ahead to ensure that the staff would be ready to provide emergency care.

Within minutes, the young dog was rushed into the East Bay SPCA Veterinary Clinic, where staff veterinarian Dr. Nama Atid took over. The dog’s vitals didn’t look good: his temperature was so low that it didn’t register on a thermometer, his heartbeat was irregular, and his blood sugar levels were extremely low. Dr. Atid worried that it might be too late to save the dog’s life.

A special warming “Bair Hugger” blanket, which was purchased through donor support and kept on hand for hyperthermia cases, was set up. Dr. Atid phoned a specialist for additional advice and input. The medical and office staff kept vigil over the dog as the hours passed, but little changed.

As the hours turned into days, fear of the worst has turned into hope. The young dog, now known to the East Bay SPCA staff as “Bart” because he was discovered near a BART station, is responding to his treatment. Four days after arriving, Bart is finally able to stand on his own. He’s even begun to wag his tail, although he’s still frail and weak.

No one knows how the two dogs ended up at the corner of 85th and Hegenberger Road. All that we can be sure of is that if our two Good Samaritans hadn’t stopped, the East Bay SPCA would not have been able to save Bart and give him the chance he deserves for a long and happy life.