MCTS driver celebrated for rescuing lost dog from oncoming traffic

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus driver is being celebrated for saving a dog while on duty.

MCTS says it happened back in May near MLK Jr. Drive and Concordia Avenue. They shared a video of the incident on social media Wednesday.

"I just knew I had to save her," said Rachel Crouch.

It says Crouch was unloading a wheelchair along Route 19 when she heard someone yelling, "It's a dog!" and saw a dog running in the street, narrowly avoiding being hit by cars.

"I said, I kicked into mom mode, and just went running out into the middle of the street, and I put both hands up like stop," said Crouch.

Rachel sprung into action and rescued the dog from being hit by oncoming traffic. After securing the dog and returning to her bus, she contacted dispatch for assistance.

A Good Samaritan who pulled over saw the events unfold and offered to take the dog to MADACC -- something Crouch says is a true example of the Milwaukee spirit.

Crouch tells CBS 58, "I was kind of whispering, it's going to be okay, it's going to be okay. you know trying to comfort her."

She said, moments later, another bystander joined in on the mission to get the dog to safety.

According to the video, Rachel checked MADACC's website later and learned the dog was a 13-year-old girl who has since been adopted. 

"As a driver, I always tell people that we are the eyes and ears of the city of Milwaukee," Rachel said. "You know, we see things that most people turn their heads to, you know, we see a lot of what's going on in the community. Being there and helping people, random strangers, you know, doing random acts of kindness and hopefully some day they'll pay it forward. "Our mission is to help people, help the community, make the community a better place."

CBS 58 reached out to MADACC, they told us that dog has since been transferred to Basset Buddies.

Crouch said she would welcome a reunion with her new buddy.