Patrick Hennessey was driving on his way to work one early morning around 4:30 am when he noticed two small figures on the side of the road.
As he slowed down to investigate, he realized that it was two dogs huddled together, at least one of which appeared to be injured.
Like any good citizen, Hennessey immediately called the police instead of just driving by. Shortly after his call, Orange County, Florida sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene.
Officers Reed and Boggs relocated the dogs out of harm’s way, as they were on the side of a busy street. He then began to tend to the dog’s wound with some gauze and a bandana while they awaited the arrival of Animal Services.
Source: Orange County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook
After giving the pups a couple of treats, the officers and the dogs became fast friends. Instead of loading them into their cruiser or just holding them in place, the officers snuggled with the pit bulls — who were wearing collars and had likely been abandoned — giving the animals warmth and comfort.
And the pictures are about as heartwarming as you would expect.
Source: Orange County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook
The photos were taken by a passerby named Adam, who witnessed the touching scene and wanted to commend the officers.
He later sent the pictures to the Sheriff’s Office as proof of their good deed.
“The deputies stood by with the dogs until Animal Services arrived,” he wrote, “these pictures I took depict a loving nature from our deputies and will tug at any animal lover’s heart strings. Thank you.”
Source: Orange County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook
When Animal Services finally arrived, the officers said their goodbyes to their new friends but managed to keep tabs on the pair. After both dogs were tended to and ready to receive visitors, Boggs and Reed went to check on them.
As soon as they arrived, the pups remembered the men who saved them. And they just couldn’t stop loving on them!
Source: Orange County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook
As you can well imagine, the story had folks from all over the world praising the officers for their compassion and kindness, especially folks who love pit bulls and understand that they can sometimes be judged based on the bad reputation of their breed.
“Thank you so much Deputy Reed and Deputy Boggs,” said one commenter. “When you can extend a helping hand to not just humans, but other creatures as well, it says a great deal about your character.”
The dogs — now named Justice and Liberty — both fully recovered and Orange County Animal Control shared pictures of their progress.
Source: Orange County Animal Control via Facebook
And Justice and Liberty were not the only dogs that officer Reed helped save.
A year later the shelter credited the officer with yet another dog rescue, after which the pup was reunited with his family.
Source: Orange County Animal Control via Facebook
While their fate is unclear at this time, both were initially adopted — though it took longer for Liberty to find his forever home. Unfortunately, Justice was re-surrendered by her owner in 2018, but we still hold out hope that the pup too will find a loving forever home.
Source: Orange County Animal Control via Facebook
Sadly, dogs abandoned by their owners can often find themselves in this terrible position, so it’s very important to remember that adopting a dog is a huge responsibility, one that folks should take very seriously. It’s also crucial to adopt instead of shop for your pet since so many wonderful animals, wind up being euthanized due to lack of space in shelters.
To end on a lighter note, you can watch the officer’s reunion with Liberty and Justice in the video below. Also, please be sure to share this story with your friends and family.
Source: Relieved.co
