Three police officers in New Jersey gained some adorable new partners after stepping in during a touching New Jersey police puppy rescue mission that quickly stole their hearts.
In December 2024, officers from the Clark Police Department responded to a call from a kind citizen who had found a litter of abandoned puppies left inside a five-gallon bucket, according to a release by the Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS). When the officers arrived, they discovered eight tiny puppies, only a few weeks old, huddled together to keep warm in the freezing winter weather.
The pups were immediately rushed to Associated Humane Society-Newark for emergency treatment. As BFAS shared, they were suffering from the cold, starvation, severe dehydration, and a bad case of fleas. Thankfully, after urgent care, the puppies were placed in foster homes and received round-the-clock bottle feedings until they could eat on their own.
New Jersey police puppy rescue creates lasting bonds
As the puppies began to heal, staff at AHS-Newark tried to find their original owners. They took to social media, spoke with news outlets, and raised $40,000 in donations to support the medical costs.
“We received a few tips, but none led to any solid answers,” said Danielle Mania, COO of AHS-Newark.
Once the pups grew stronger, they were placed with various foster families. Still, the three officers who initially rescued them couldn’t forget the little dogs they had helped save. They checked in regularly during the puppies’ recovery, showing just how deeply the New Jersey police puppy rescue touched them.
When three of the pups—now named Ozzy, Capri, and Zeus—became available for adoption, the officers didn’t hesitate. Each one adopted a puppy, forming a bond that went far beyond the call of duty.
Now, the trio of officers and their dogs stay connected through a playful group chat and meet up often for doggie playdates. “This was a beautiful example of teamwork and dedication across our entire organization,” Mania said.
The Best Friends Animal Society described it as a “full-circle moment” and a shining example of how police and animal welfare groups can work together to save lives.
The story is also a gentle reminder of how microchipping pets can make reunification faster and easier if animals ever go missing.
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Source: www.people.com
