It’s not every day that a police officer in Oklahoma is called to rescue a donkey from traffic, but that’s exactly what happened to Officer Kyle Canaan of the Norman Police Department. On a Tuesday morning that started like any other, dispatch sent Canaan to investigate an unusual situation—a donkey had somehow wandered onto a busy road, creating a hazard for both itself and drivers.

When Officer Canaan arrived, he quickly spotted the animal and made sure to guide it away from the heavy traffic. The donkey, later nicknamed “Squishy,” seemed relieved to have someone looking out for him. What began as a routine call soon turned into a story that had people across the country laughing and sharing the officer’s unexpected adventure.

An Unlikely Friendship on Duty

Instead of simply moving Squishy off the road and leaving him behind, Officer Canaan decided the safest option was to transport the donkey in his patrol car until arrangements could be made. Anyone who has tried to coax a stubborn animal knows it’s not always an easy task, but Squishy seemed to trust his new human friend right away.

The officer and his donkey passenger quickly became the talk of the town. Photos of Squishy riding in the back of the squad car made their way online, sparking amusement across social media. People were charmed by the unusual sight, but what came next added even more humor to the story.

A Messy Surprise in the Back Seat

As much as Squishy enjoyed his ride, he left Officer Canaan with one unforgettable reminder of their time together. “It used the bathroom in the back of my police car—number two,” Canaan explained in an interview with local station KFOR. With a laugh, he added, “I must have gotten him right after breakfast, because there was a lot.”

Like many pet owners can relate to, Officer Canaan took the mess in stride. After all, cleaning up after animals is part of the package, even if you don’t expect it to happen in the back of a police cruiser. His good-natured response made the situation even more endearing to those following the story.

Finding a Safe Place for Squishy

Until his owners could be located, Squishy wasn’t left to fend for himself. A bystander kindly offered their property as a temporary home for the donkey, ensuring he had food, water, and safety while the police worked to track down where he came from.

This act of kindness highlights how communities often come together in unexpected ways. What could have been a dangerous incident on a busy road turned into a moment of compassion, teamwork, and laughter that people in Norman—and far beyond—will remember for a long time.

Why This Story Resonates

In a world where police officers are often called to handle tense or tragic situations, stories like this one provide a refreshing reminder of the lighter side of the job. Rescuing animals, comforting people, and building trust in the community are all part of what law enforcement does, even if it doesn’t always make the headlines.

For Officer Canaan, the rescue of Squishy wasn’t just about traffic safety—it became a moment that showcased his humanity and sense of humor. The donkey, unaware of the stir he caused, likely thought he’d simply found a new friend to tag along with for the day.

The Internet Reacts

Once the story hit social media, reactions poured in. People shared photos, made jokes about “riding dirty,” and applauded Officer Canaan for treating Squishy with such care. Many even suggested Squishy should be adopted as the department’s new mascot. While that may not happen, it’s safe to say the donkey brought plenty of smiles to people who needed them.

A Memorable Day on Patrol

At the end of the day, the incident will go down as one of those unforgettable moments in Officer Canaan’s career. Most officers expect to handle traffic stops, accidents, or routine calls, but transporting a donkey? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Squishy’s little adventure serves as a reminder that sometimes life’s funniest stories come from the most unexpected places. Thanks to Officer Canaan’s quick thinking and good humor, a donkey was saved from danger, a community came together, and the world got a story that proves even messy moments can make us smile.