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Kuna dog run over by trains survives

Loki's owners say he was run over at least a dozen times before he was rescued from the railroad tracks.

KUNA, Idaho -- The Rossis are grateful to have their dog back at home. Just last week, they were preparing to say goodbye to the 1-year-old pit bull and American bulldog mix.

"He's not just a dog. He's our family member," said Ryan Rossi of Kuna.

Last Wednesday, Loki and the Rossis' other dog, Rosie, escaped from the family's backyard.

When Ryan and his wife returned from work, Rosie was on the front porch, but Loki was nowhere to be found.

"Drove around a few times and about eight o'clock at night we got the call saying that he was hit by a train," said Rossi. "Oh my god. It was devastating."

Railroad workers had found the dog on the tracks near the Rossis' home.

"The final conductor at 4:30 p.m. said he was going to pass over Loki and they just thought, a dead dog, but he lifted his head up and then put his head back down," added Rossi.

Rossi says they told him that 12 trains had passed over Loki before he was picked up.

"He was laying in the middle of the track," said Rossi. "He's not a huge dog and so thank god he was low enough."

Two employees helped get the dog to the WestVet emergency room in Garden City.

A spokesperson says surgeons were able to stabilize the animal. Meanwhile, the Rossis rushed to his side, thinking it would be the last time they saw their beloved pet.

"We were petting him and he lifted his head...and he smiled," said Rossi. "At that moment I just looked at my wife and said we'll do whatever it takes."

Loki lost his left eye and had to have his back leg and tail amputated.

But he's on the mend. The family brought him home on Saturday and Loki was back to walking and playing the next afternoon.

The family says he's very lucky, and so are they.

"If he can get ran over by 12 trains and still fight and still smile then we'll fight with him," added Rossi.

A family friend set up a GoFundMe page to help cover Loki's vet bills, which Rossi says have reached $6,000.

For more information, click here.

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