Del Ray collision: Terrier recovers after hit-and-run near pregnant owner

A 3-year-old terrier named Asher is recovering from three broken ribs, a fractured leg, and a fractured knee following a hit-and-run in Alexandria. The collision occurred on Oct. 23 along Commonwealth Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood. Amanda Trotenberg, the dog's owner, was eight months pregnant at the time of the crash.

Trotenberg described the incident as a red sedan speeding through the intersection without stopping. The vehicle struck Asher while he was on a walk and nearly hit Trotenberg as well. "It was awful," Trotenberg said. "It’s been keeping me up at night, it’s something I will never forget, that image in my head of watching a car hit my dog and roll over."

Emergency room video captured shortly after the accident shows Asher watching cartoons while recovering. The dog must wear a cone for several more weeks to allow the injuries to heal. Trotenberg noted that Asher was originally found abandoned and dehydrated on Ash Street, which provided the inspiration for his name.

Trotenberg stated she hopes the driver is located so they can understand the importance of safe driving. "Calm down and drive slower," she said. "You hit a dog, you nearly hit a pregnant woman. I think there’s a lot we can do to make that intersection safer, too."

Data from NBC4 indicates at least four other collisions have occurred at that specific intersection over the past decade. Three of those incidents were rear-end crashes, while the fourth involved a car hitting a pedestrian. The Alexandria police department has not yet responded to inquiries regarding surveillance footage from the night of the Oct. 23 crash.

Asher has lived with Trotenberg for two years. The family is currently preparing for the arrival of a baby, which Trotenberg expects will make Asher a big brother. "He’s just a sweet, sweet little energetic boy, and we’re excited for him to be a big brother for a baby on the way," Trotenberg said.