A police officer in New York City gave a home to a dog found in a terrifying situation, ABC News reported Thursday.
“A month ago, this sweet doggo was rescued after his owner left him in his hot locked car for hours; yesterday, one of its rescuers, Officer Maharaj, adopted him,” the 19th Precinct announced Wednesday.
The precinct shared a photo of the officer with the very happy dog, who appeared to be smiling up at her:
The story began when the dog was found trapped inside a hot car last month after neighbors saw the animal inside the vehicle parked on 88th Street.
The car had reportedly been there for over two hours, and residents called 911 for help.
The 19th Precinct shared video footage of the June 18 rescue, and one officer was seen gently breaking the car’s window to get inside.
“That dog’s so happy,” someone behind the camera said, adding, “She’s even got a leash on.”
Officers brought the small white dog out of the car, and it appeared grateful to them for their efforts:
After the officers took the dog to see a veterinarian for a check-up, a 26-year-old man was charged with animal cruelty in the case, according to law enforcement.
A car’s temperature can rise to dangerous levels quickly, thus putting a dog inside in danger of suffering a heat stroke, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
“You should NEVER leave a dog alone in the car, even with the windows cracked. In some states, it’s even illegal,” the organization advises.
Following the incident, the pup was taken by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), but it did not take long for Officer Maharaj to adopt the pet.
Social media users praised the officer for giving the dog a home, one person calling the animal “one lucky pup.”
“Truly New York’s Finest. Thank you!!” another replied.