A Miraculous Escape: Car Plows Into Alameda Doggy Daycare, But All Paws and People Are Safe

Can you imagine the sheer terror? One moment, you’re just going about your day, perhaps at work, maybe even surrounded by a dozen wagging tails, and the next, a car comes barreling right through your storefront. That’s precisely what unfolded on a recent Friday afternoon on Webster Street in Alameda, leaving a local doggy daycare in a state of disarray, but, thankfully, leaving its beloved occupants – both human and canine – largely unscathed. It's a story that truly makes you pause and count your blessings.

The incident, which happened at Webster Street Dog Wash & Grooming, saw a sedan slam directly into the building’s facade. Eyewitnesses and police reports suggest the driver, an elderly woman, mistakenly hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. Such a common, yet devastating, error, especially when it involves a place teeming with furry friends. The impact shattered the front window, sending debris scattering and creating quite the chaotic scene.

Krystle Lopez, the owner of this cherished local spot, recounted the terrifying moments. She was, by a stroke of pure luck, in the back of the facility with several dogs when the crash occurred. Imagine her heart-stopping realization as she heard that deafening boom and rushed forward to see the damage. And then there was Joi Johnson, an employee who was right at the front desk, just moments before the vehicle breached the building. She had just enough time, thankfully, to move out of the way, narrowly avoiding direct impact. It’s truly incredible to think how quickly things can change, and how a split-second decision or a lucky placement can make all the difference.

Emergency responders, including the Alameda Police Department and fire officials, quickly arrived on the scene, assessing the damage and ensuring everyone's safety. While the storefront suffered significant structural damage, requiring the business to close its doors for the foreseeable future to undertake repairs, the biggest relief came from the injury report: none. No major injuries were reported for either the humans present or, perhaps even more importantly to many in the community, for any of the dogs enjoying their day at daycare. Kevin Collins, a local witness, summed it up perfectly, recalling the "loud boom" and the immediate concern for those inside.

This event serves as a stark, somewhat frightening, reminder of how quickly the unexpected can happen. For the Alameda community, it’s a moment of collective sigh and gratitude. Their local doggy daycare, a place many consider a second home for their pets, will undoubtedly rebuild. But for now, the overwhelming sentiment is one of profound relief that what could have been a truly tragic incident turned out to be a story of incredible fortune and miraculous escapes. Everyone involved, especially the resilient Krystle and her team, will surely cherish the safety of their pups and people as they navigate the path to reopening.