'Lucky' Dog Survives 80mph Crash After Becoming Wedged in the Car's Grill

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A dog miraculously survived a high-speed crash after becoming wedged in a car's grill, and then somehow walked away with only minor injuries.

The driver was heading down the highway going 80 miles per hour, when they hit something on the road, in northern Italy. After inspecting the damage, they were no doubt shocked to discover they'd hit a dog—which was still alive.

Incredibly, despite being hit at high speeds, the white pooch had become wedged in the car's grill, and was virtually unscathed.

Jimmy Dotti, who works with the Italian Veterinary Ambulance, snapped a photo of the incredible sight after arriving at the scene.

He shared a post to Facebook last Wednesday, along with two snaps.

It says, translated from Italian: "This microchipped dog was hit on the highway in the Mondovi Municipality by a car that traveled 130 km away, broke the airborne grid and completely entered the engine compartment where the aluminum radiator folding at crib.

"Moved to an emergency clinic [the] accident caused several fractures but he'll be fine. AVI [Ambulanze Veterinarie Italia] will pay for all the veterinary expenses for orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation and once he's restored he'll be looking for a family for this lucky dog (considering how he could have ended!)"

He added they decided to call the dog Paraflu. A few days after the original post Dotti provided people with an update on Paraflu, who showed the dog was up and walking, albeit with a small yellow cast on its left foreleg.

The post revealed he'd been transferred to a different location, and after "consultation, diagnostic investigations and response" they concluded he suffered no severe injuries.

Translated from Italian, it said: "No brain, neurological or spinal damage. Surgery can be performed to reduce the fracture of humerus dx. A health walk for this dog rock!!"

In the heart-warming snaps Paraflu can be seen looking content with his tongue hanging out, as he takes a stroll in the sunshine.

More than 1,000 people commented on the original post, calling Paraflu's lucky escape a miracle.

Translated from Italian, Nia Jagger wrote: "These I call them miracles... thanks to whoever watched the little Paraflu."

Enza Mancuso praised them team, saying: "Great Jimmy Dotti and thanks to the veterinary ambulance volunteers."

Roberta Madella Amadei raved: "You are a fantastic team."

While Francesca Grosssimply said: "A miracle!!!"

Andrea Orsini thought: "It seems impossible to me that he is still alive!"

And Renata Rosso added: "Congratulations for the work you do and a wish for healing to the poor creature."

Newsweek reached out to Dotti for comment.

About the writer

Rebecca Flood is Newsweek's Audience Editor for Life & Trends, and joined in 2021 as a senior reporter. Rebecca specializes in lifestyle and viral trends, extensively covering social media conversations and real-life features. She has previously worked at The Sun, The Daily Express, The Daily Star, The Independent and The Mirror, and has been published in Time Out. Rebecca has written in the UK and abroad, covering hard news such as Brexit, crime and terror attacks as well as domestic and international politics. She has covered numerous royal events including weddings, births and funerals, and reported live from the King's Coronation for Newsweek. Rebecca was selected to be one of Newsweek's Cultural Ambassadors. She is a graduate of Brighton University and lives in London.

Languages: English

You can get in touch with Rebecca by emailing r.flood@newsweek.com. You can follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @thebeccaflood.





Rebecca Flood is Newsweek's Audience Editor for Life & Trends, and joined in 2021 as a senior reporter. Rebecca specializes ... Read more