After a harrowing car accident on I-94, an emotional support python named Pina faced a terrifying ordeal. The python, which had become an integral part of Jessica Welch's life, disappeared in the chaos. But against all odds, a team of dedicated individuals, including Carli Kearns and Will Shaw, embarked on a mission to find and save the precious reptile.

The Tale of an Emotional Support Python's Survival

Initial Disappearance and Panic

After the crash, Pina vanished, leaving Jessica in a state of distress. Most people might feel anxiety around snakes, but for Jessica, Pina provided a unique form of comfort. "The weight of it sort of reminded me of almost like a hug or weighted blanket and that’s where her being my emotional support animal comes in because I struggle with anxiety," she said. With Pina riding shotgun during the snowy journey home from college, the accident on I-94 near Chelsea was a devastating blow. Jessica looked back to find her python's tank shattered and Pina nowhere in sight. Frantic searches by first responders also came up empty.

The Search and Rescue Team

At the other end of this story was Carli Kearns, a college student home on holiday break and working at her family's tow company. Though not a snake enthusiast herself, Carli had a big heart and made it her mission to find the missing python. She asked her dad for permission to pull the wrecked SUV into the heated garage, hoping to locate Pina. And her efforts paid off. "I picked up the spare tire thing and that’s when that’s when I saw its scales under the sear and took off running to find Will," Carli said. Will Shaw then joined the rescue, using his skills to wiggle the wreckage, cut wires, and wrangle the snake. When they saw that the snake was not moving, they became reptile paramedics, trying various methods to revive Pina.

The Journey to Recovery

The next day, Jessica came to pick up Pina, fully prepared for cremation. But then, a miraculous thing happened. "I started poking around in like inside her mouth to see if that would get a reaction out of her and that’s when she drew her head back a little bit," Welch said. Pina was a tough girl and was rushed to the vet, where she received a little snake IV and snake antibiotics. Now, she is recovering at home, bringing joy and comfort back to Jessica's life.