The job of a police officer is to protect life, and that often extends beyond human life. If a cop spots something suspicious or unusual involving an animal, it’s their duty to investigate further.
That’s exactly what NYPD officer Michael Pascale did when he discovered a tiny pittie chained up in a public park, sitting in the pouring rain, surrounded by needles and broken beer bottles.
According to officer Pascale, the puppy was staring up at him with “help me” eyes, and he knew that he had to rescue him.
The police took the dog into the Brooklyn ACC, and officer Pascale dried him off with a towel. The pair bonded together, and Pascale felt deeply moved by the experience.
Sharing his story with The Dodo, he said:
“It’s resonating with me because I don’t just see an animal, I see a soul, and that’s not something I turn away from.”
Pascale had taken a picture of the dog when he first found him, and he sent it to his wife, sharing his horror that someone would do such a thing to an innocent animal. Pascale’s wife’s response was immediate: “Bring him home!”
At first, Pascale thought his wife was playing with him, but Francesca told him that she wasn’t joking, and repeated that he should bring the dog home.
So that’s what Pascale did.
He first had to wait for a 72 hour hold to pass, which is mandatory for all rescues. Pascale promised the dog that he would be back soon, and he visited his new friend as often as he could.
No owner turned up to claim the pittie, and in the meantime, Pascale was strengthening the bond with him, taking him for walks and petting him while he fell asleep. Finally, Pascale was allowed to take the dog home.
Pascale named the dog Joey, and the pair recorded a cute video in Pascale’s car to send to his wife. In the clip, Pascale pointed the camera at Joey and said,
“Hi mommy, Joey’s been such a good boy today, I’m taking him home now. Can’t wait to give you kisses – and me too. Love you.”
When Pascale let Joey into his new home, the pittie clearly knew that he’d entered into a place of love. He wasted no time in checking out the house, then returned to his new human mom to jump up at her and give her the kisses Pascale had promised.
Speaking of his somewhat spur-of-the-moment adoption, Pascale said:
“I know pit bulls get a bad rap, but that could not be further from the truth. Joey is a ball of energy. He’s also a mushball, and I think that’s his way of saying ‘thank you for saving me’.”
In the time that Joey has spent with his new parents, Pascale has established that the pittie is definitely a mommy’s boy. But we think it’s likely that the pup holds a special place in his heart for his rescuer, Pascale.
Pascale went way beyond his police officer duties. Not only did he save Joey, he decided to take him into his own home and care for him as a family member.
Without Pascale, Joey might not be here to experience a life of love and comfort at all. He is forever indebted to his hero cop, and he’s quite clearly enjoying his newfound freedom with his loving parents.
The emotional video below tells the story of Joey’s rescue from Pascale’s perspective.
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