HOUSTON (TND) — A dog that was trapped inside a shipping container at a port in Texas has a new lease on life -- and it's all thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard.

"Connie the Container Dog" is now "safe and sound" at a animal shelter, where she is receiving the care she needs.

A Facebook post from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston said a team of four marine inspectors heard barking and scratching from inside one of the containers on Wednesday.

The container was one of thousands and in a stack about 25 feet in the air. Using a crane, they lowered the container, opened the door, and out came an adorable dog.

This sweet girl was trapped in the container for at least a week and was tired, hungry, and very happy to see her rescuers," according to the post. "The Coast Guard members gave her water and brought her to a local animal shelter for further care."

The Coast Guard shared photos and videos of Connie, as well as the men who saved her. Officers Bryan Wainscott, Lucas Loe, Ryan McMahon, and Jose Reyes are seen smiling with the pup.

They drove Connie to Pasadena Animal Shelter, where she was checked out. A rescue group, Forever Changed Animal Rescue, has since taken her in and is working to get her healthy and ready for adoption.

"Let's salute the heroes who not only safeguard our waters but also rescue precious souls in need," Pasadena Animal Shelter wrote on social media.

In a separate Facebook post, the rescue said Connie is "a bit underweight." She tested positive for heartworm, but will soon be getting treatment.

"We will also be doing a full workup on her to ensure that she receives all the care she needs and deserves,” the group said, adding that "she is incredibly sweet but very shy and scared of her new surroundings."

Coast Guard officials are not sure where the container came from, but inside were junked vehicles that were likely being shipped overseas to be sold for parts.

So, based on that, they think that the dog most likely was in a junkyard, in a car. And that’s how she accidentally got put in the container,” Guard spokeswoman Chief Petty Officer Corinne Zilnicki said.

The Coast Guard said they "are so proud of our team of marine inspectors who were in the right place at the right time, then trusted their instincts and saved a dog's life!"

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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