During a fierce winter blizzard on Long Island, two dogs were spotted racing down a busy, snow‑choked stretch of Sunrise Highway — an extraordinarily dangerous place for any animal, especially with whiteout conditions and cars sliding past.
Department of Public Works snowplow driver Kenny McGowan was clearing roads near Babylon Town Hall when the movement of the dogs caught his eye through the swirling snow. “I looked over and I seen something in the corner of my eye right there, and then I looked in my mirror, and I saw a dog,” he told reporters.
In fact, there were two dogs — later identified as closely bonded sisters — and McGowan didn’t hesitate. He flipped on his lights and sirens and eased his plow in behind them, using the truck to buffer them from traffic as they ran side by side down the highway. “Being an animal lover, being a father, I went right into protection mode … I was gonna do whatever I had to do to stop these dogs from getting hurt,” he said.
Once he reached a safe spot, McGowan turned the plow sideways across the lanes to block oncoming vehicles and called his colleague, fellow DPW worker Jason Koza, to bring a leash and backup. The dogs darted into the snow‑filled median, where drifts were several feet deep, and burrowed down; one lay beneath while the other curled protectively on top. McGowan said he knew right away they were family and that their tight bond had helped them get through the storm together.
Drivers who had stopped behind the plow jumped out to help, offering extra hands along with rope, blankets, and comfort for the frightened animals. Working together, they were able to guide the two Lab mixes — who weren’t wearing collars — into a truck and get them off the highway. They were brought straight to the Babylon Animal Shelter, where staff dried them off and quickly checked for microchips.
Initially, only one microchip registered, but a second was soon found in an unusual spot, confirming that both dogs had a home to return to. Within 24 hours, shelter staff had contacted the family listed and the two sisters, who had refused to leave each other’s side in the blizzard, were reunited with their guardian.
Amid a historic storm that shut down roads and buried Long Island in snow, this rescue became a bright spot — a reminder that vigilance, fast action, and simple compassion can literally mean the difference between life and death for animals caught in harm’s way.
Lady Freethinker is thankful for the tow truck driver, the good Samaritans, and the shelter staff who helped get these two dogs back home safely.
For another inspiring dog rescue story, read about the dog saved from a storm drain in snowy Colorado.
