They say every dog has its day—but for one tiny Texas pup, that day started with a terrifying tumble from a moving car. Left hurt and alone, things weren’t looking good. But thanks to a quick-thinking police officer, a whole lot of puppy love, and some dogged determination, this story has a much happier ending.
Miss Kia’s story started with a rough ride—literally. On December 2, a witness in Denison, Texas, called 911 after spotting a puppy thrown from a moving Kia sedan. The Denison Police Department responded, and police officer Brennan Johnson arrived to find the tiny, injured puppy.
Johnson refused to let the puppy become just another lost pet story. He covered her medical expenses and took her home. The police department later shared on Facebook, “Earlier this month, Officer Johnson responded to an animal cruelty call involving a sweet little pup who had been thrown from a vehicle.”
And what did he name her? “Miss Kia,” of course. He explained, “Just kind of find a little humor in a bad situation. Makes it an interesting story, and I just thought it was fitting.”
A bumpy start, for the police rescue puppy
Kia’s injuries were concerning. “At first, we were worried she wouldn’t move her back legs at all,” Johnson recalled. But X-rays showed a fracture in the upper portion of her leg—a serious injury, but not full paralysis. “After getting some X-rays and stuff done, we were lucky: It was just a break right here in the upper portion of her leg.”
She spent weeks sporting a tiny cast, but the prognosis was good. “She has a new little leg brace on, and we just love her,” said police department staff member Stacee Reed. “We are excited every time he brings her in.”
The tiniest sheriff in town
At home, Kia has no problem throwing her weight around—even if she doesn’t have much of it. “My older Lab doesn’t really mind her too much. I’ve got a one-year-old golden retriever — she doesn’t know how she feels about her yet… kind of scared of her, honestly… she runs the house.”
At the Denison Police Department, Kia is the star attraction. The department confirmed, “Since joining his home, Kia has visited the department several times and quickly won the hearts of everyone at the department. She’s now an official part of the DPD family!”
A police rescue turns a puppy’s life around
The internet wasted no time falling in love with Kia. “Hurts my heart but so glad she’s in a safe, loving home!” one commenter wrote. Another joked, “Was she thrown from a Kia??” One local even extended a VIP invite: “Feel free to stop by Kwik Fuels on Morton St when you’re off duty so we can spoil her with doggy treats!!”
Miss Kia might have started life on the streets, but now she’s got a police officer for an owner, a puppy fan club, and a forever home. A ruff start? Sure. But this pup came out on top. Meet Kia yourself in the video embedded below:
