It’s 2025, and heartbreakingly, we’re still seeing the worst of humanity when it comes to how some people treat their pets. While most of us see dogs as loyal companions deserving of love and protection, others treat them as disposable.
That was sadly the case for a young pit bull named Taho — who miraculously survived an unthinkable act of cruelty.
However, his life would end in the most tragic way imaginable.
On the night of February 1, back in 2023, deputies from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office were in pursuit of suspects in a stolen truck on Interstate 694 in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
The suspects, wanted in connection with carjackings and gun-related crimes, were speeding the wrong way down the interstate at 60 mph.
As officers gave chase, they saw something white fly out of the vehicle and slam into the pavement. At first, it was unclear what it was.
But when deputies later reviewed dashcam footage, the horrifying truth came to light: the suspects had thrown a puppy from the moving truck.
That puppy was Taho.
Hurled onto the highway
“The suspects still refused to stop and started driving the wrong way on Interstate 694,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post.
At one point, deputies shouted for their team to stay alert, fearing the suspects had a weapon. That’s when the door opened and something was hurled onto the highway, rolling violently into oncoming traffic.
After arresting the suspects, deputies returned to the area but initially couldn’t locate the dog. Given the impact and freezing overnight temperatures, they feared the worst.
But against all odds, Taho was found the next morning.
Curled up on a snowbank
There he was, curled up on a snowbank — shivering, battered, but somehow still wagging his tail.
Sgt. Dan Young recalled the moment they found him, telling WCCO: “He was happy-go-lucky. We even got him up in the van and he was licking us.” The officers gave him a piece of pizza, and Sgt. Young added, “He was very, very happy.”
Taho was rushed to a vet where he was treated for a broken leg and multiple cuts.
Despite a broken femur and other injuries, Taho’s spirit seemed unbroken. He wagged his tail and licked his rescuers’ faces, earning him a place in the care of Pet Haven and a chance at rehabilitation.
A fundraiser was launched to help cover his medical expenses — and as he healed, Taho was ready to find a forever home. The brave little pup had already endured more than most could imagine and deserved nothing less than a life filled with love, warmth, and the kind of peace that comes with knowing you’re finally safe.
The heartbreaking end
Sadly, Taho’s physical wounds were only the beginning.
As he moved through multiple foster homes, his behavior became increasingly unpredictable and aggressive. He bit several caregivers, often without clear triggers, and showed signs of deep psychological trauma. He had lived a life of severe abuse, reportedly at the hands of a woman with past animal cruelty charges and drug use, and those experiences left lasting scars.
Even after multiple incidents, Taho was given one final chance. Pet Haven, along with Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and the Humane Society of the United States, brought him into a behavioral rehabilitation program.
Euthanized him
He was given time, love, and expert care, but his mental state continued to deteriorate. Despite being muzzled, crated, and supervised by experienced handlers, his fear and aggression only escalated.
An MRI ruled out neurological causes, confirming that Taho’s behavior was rooted in trauma, not treatable injury. He could no longer safely interact with people or live without fear and anxiety. With heavy hearts, the rescue team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him for his safety and the safety of others.
Taho’s story is heartbreaking, but it also serves as a reminder of the cruelty animals can suffer—and the compassion of those who try to save them. In his final moments,
Taho was surrounded by love, something he hadn’t known for most of his life. RIP Taho 💔
