Dog Gets Hit by Car, Stays Stuck Inside Bumper for Several Miles, Survives: 'It Was a Miracle'

A dog had a miraculous escape after getting wedged in a car bumper following a traffic accident and staying stuck inside the vehicle as it traveled for several miles.

The 3-year-old Shiba Inu, named Coco, was struck by a car at around 11 a.m. on Monday, October 28, after running out into a road in Albany, New York.

According to Rotterdam police Lt. Jeffrey Collins, the driver realized she hit something on North Manning Boulevard and stopped to check, but she didn't see anything other than some damage on the front of the car, reports The Daily Gazette.

Around 16 miles and 45 minutes later, the driver said she started hearing noises coming from the front of the vehicle while driving through Rotterdam. Only then did she see that Coco had been stuck in her bumper the entire time.

The driver then immediately called police, who were able to free the pet and send her for treatment.

"I couldn't believe she survived, to be honest," Noella LaFreniere, of Hernas Veterinary Clinic, where Coco is being treated for her injuries, told WNYT.

"It was like the perfect fit. She fit perfectly in that bumper and came out alive and it's shocking to us. Working with the animals all these years, it's shocking. She's very lucky."

Coco suffered a broken elbow as a result of the accident. The Hernas Veterinary Clinic said her surgery could cost up to $4,000 and she may require more until she is fully recovered.

The veterinary said they are looking into setting up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the dog's medical bills. They said they are also accepting donations if people want to contribute to them directly.

"She's a trooper, she really is," LaFreniere added. "She's just so mellow and so good and we can't wait to do the surgery to get her better and get her home."

Other staff members at Hernas have described their shock that Coco did not sustain any more serious injuries.

"We thought it was a miracle," Tammy Van Valkenburgh told The Daily Gazette. "When I walked in yesterday, they told me the miracle dog was here. She was here standing on three legs."

"As far as we can tell she's going great," Van Valkenburgh added. "She's taking her medicine. She's very sweet."

Coco's owner was tracked down by Rotterdam Police. She is originally from North Carolina and was staying with her sister when Coco was struck by the car.