Phoenix Police got a call on the morning of March 27 that can be described as unexpected.
Phoenix Police got a call on the morning of March 27 that was certainly unexpected: a donkey stuck in a van.Apparently the animal, named Josie, got locked inside by mistake, and the owner didn't want to take any chances leaving her inside without air conditioning.
At the time of the incident, Josie was on a mission of her own."This is the heart of Tender Little Hearts," said Terry Holmes-Stecyk. "This is one of our eight therapy animals. Josie is a qualified therapy donkey."Josie is part of the Tender Little Hearts nonprofit. The group encourages literacy by having children read to miniature horses and donkeys."We go to school and libraries, child advocacy centers—encouraging children to read, helping struggling readers," said Holmes-Stecyk, Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales president.The program also does enrichment visits. Josie was actually on her way to Ryan House—a nonprofit that provides end-of-life care for children.Before she could make her rounds, however, Josie's handler had to deal with a lockout."Got out of my van, locked the door, walked around and realized oh my goodness—the key is in the van," Holmes-Stecyk said. "We know with the warm temperatures it does not take long for the inside of a compartment to get very hot so I had rock in hand ready to break the window if needed."Holmes-Stecyk called the Phoenix police non-emergency line, but she was transferred to 911."And then the second car came. And then a third car came. And the next thing I know we have seven cruisers there to assist us," she said.She says officers were able to pop the door open in about 5 minutes, getting Josie out safely."When she came down, they took pictures, I gave them business cards," Holmes-Stecyk said. "We promised we’d come do a celebration event or bring pizza or whatever we can do to thank them for what they did in helping this little girl."Following the rescue, Josie went on to complete her visit at Ryan House.
News Us Az Maricopa County Phoenix
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man shot, killed during standoff with police in Northampton Co., police sayA man was shot and killed during a standoff with police in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the coroner said.
Read more »
Arizona weather forecast: Historic March heatwave continues on Thursday in PhoenixThe forecast high climbs back to around 100 degrees in Phoenix today. On Friday, the forecast high hits 101 degrees. Both days will remain dry and sunny to mostly sunny.
Read more »
March Madness Moneyline Picks for Saturday, March 28Find out why Phil Naessens is taking Purdue to beat Arizona outright in the Elite Eight on Saturday, March 28. Plus, a free March Madness moneyline pick for Iowa vs. Illinois.
Read more »
March Madness Picks Against the Spread for Saturday, March 28JD Yonke explains why Arizona will put away Purdue in the Elite Eight on Saturday night. Plus, a pick for Iowa vs. Illinois. Free March Madness ATS picks for March 28.
Read more »
Dallas police arrest two after shooting involving police, fleeing carThe news conference in which Dallas police released the body camera footage was held about five days after the shooting incident.
Read more »
The week in 38 photosTake a look at 38 photos of the week from March 19 to March 26.
Read more »