Puppies are naturally curious beings, and occasionally their curiosity and urge to investigate everything can get them into trouble. Thanks to a group effort, a small puppy who became trapped under a spare tire was released. A call regarding the 3-month-old Australian cattle dog from Coachella, California, was answered by Riverside County Animal Services Officer Jose Cisneros.

Sharing their rescue operation with their followers on Twitter, Riverside County Department of Animal Services officials initially tried to oil the puppy’s head to slide it out, but, due to swelling in the dog’s neck area, the slick plan did not work.

In a press release, the department explained that using cooking oil to help lubricate an animal stuck in a tricky situation is a “common tactic.” 

When that method didn’t work, the team sedated the dog to keep it calm, and contacted the Riverside County Fire Department for reinforcements.

After moving the dog and its wheel to a secure location, the firefighters used power tools to cut the rim and liberate the animal’s head. The dog, who the rescuers nicknamed “Wheelie Pup,” ate its meal right away after that. “Rescued! The Department of Animal Services posted a video of the moment the dog was released from the vehicle component on Twitter along with the message, “Thank you to our buddies.

Updating a concerned follower of the animal rescue’s play-by-play, the Department of Animal Services team said on Thursday that they found Wheelie Pup’s owners.

“Owners contacted us about what had happened; reunion should happen Thursday morning or mid-day; we are still caring for puppy,” the department tweeted.

On Facebook, the Department of Animal Services — which offers many pet services, including adoption, education and licensing — described the eventful day of animal rescuing as “strange, scary [and] exhilarating.”