A stray dog that for years lived in a sump near the Farmingdale railroad tracks now has a new leash on life, all thanks to a special friend.

Clara Mancini, a conductor on the Long Island Rail Road's Ronkonkoma branch, used to notice the dog searching for food near the tracks. Mancini took to feeding the white shepherd mix, and named her Pretty Girl.

Mancini says Pretty Girl had lived in the sump for more than five years, surviving harsh winters and major storms like Sandy and Irene. The conductor called the town of Oyster Bay and was told they tried to catch the dog, but couldn't.

With another winter fast-approaching, Mancini asked a friend to help her trap Pretty Girl. The dog was taken to the Massapequa Hospital for Animals, where a vet says that despite her rough life, the dog doesn't show signs of aggression.

The animal rescue group Last Hope paid for Pretty Girl's veterinary care. The group says Pretty Girl will go to a specialized animal rehab program that will help re-socialize her so she can eventually live with a family.