It’s a pawsitively adorable story!
A Kings County mutt is thriving in his new home after a Brooklyn cop found the abandoned pooch chained to a fence in Brownsville.
“It was cold and raining when I found him. He was shaking and shivering,” said Officer Michael Pascale.
Pascale, assigned to the New York Police Department’s Strategic Response Group, was on patrol with his partner shortly after Christmas when he noticed the whimpering pup shackled in the corner of Betsy Head Park near Dumont Avenue. The officers freed the dog and immediately brought him to the local Animal Care Center, according to the cop.
“We took him right away to make sure he got proper care,” said Pascale. “When we got there, I personally got a towel and dried him off.”
The facility, located on Linden Boulevard between Shepherd Avenue and Essex Street, provides safety and medical attention to rescued animals like the pup — named Joey — and gives incoming doggos more than just love and care, according to Pascale.
“He’s named Joey because the Animal Control Center plays movies every day, and names the dogs that come in after the characters. That day, they were playing Lady and the Tramp. Joey is the chef who cooks the pasta in the iconic kissing scene.”
The fifth-year officer was sold, and offered his home to the pooch after a brief discussion with his spouse.
“I’ve always wanted a dog, and when I sent a picture of him to my wife, she told me to bring him home,” he said. “We wanted to make sure he got the love he deserved.”
Joey arrived at his new home after three weeks with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who performed medical tests on the one-year-old Pitbull-Labrador mix.
Now, Pascale is teaming up with animal rights organization, People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals, to spread awareness about proper treatment of strays.
“I really want to help get the message out about animal abuse, getting the message out to New Yorkers about what to do when you find an abandoned animal,” said Pascale. “It really is a see something, say something situation. If someone sees an abandoned animal outside, you should immediately notify police, and we can take care of them.”
As for Pascale and his new best friend, they’ve both taken to their new life together.
“He’s been great, he loves getting belly rubs and sneaking treats. He’s very energetic and friendly. He doesn’t bite. He doesn’t bark much, except sometimes at squirrels and birds,” the officer said.
And while the cuddly canine enjoys ride alongs with his human companion, Pascale isn’t quite sold on Joey’s crime-fighting abilities just yet.
“He’s unfortunately not police trained,” said Pascale. “He’s only qualified to sniff out food and treats, not narcotics.”
If you see a chained dog who appears to be suffering, call your local authorities. Stay with the dog until they arrive, and make sure that the animal receives help. If local authorities don’t help, contact PETA’s emergency pager at 757-622-7382.
