In an uplifting turn of events, a Detroit Police Department officer stepped in to save a Pit Bull abandoned on a porch amidst bitterly cold temperatures.
The officer, identified as Eric McCombs, was lauded for his quick action and kindness, as he rescued the distressed dog from the harsh winter elements.
The thought of any animal left to endure such harsh conditions is deeply distressing, a sentiment all too familiar in the Detroit region.
Thankfully, the dedication of individuals like officer McCombs shines a light on the positive outcomes that can emerge from such dire situations.
Rescued From The Cold
While patrolling late at night, Officer McCombs noticed a distressed dog entangled in a chain on a porch, suffering in the frigid cold. Driven by his love for dogs, he immediately intervened to rescue the shivering dog.
“When I went up to her, I was like, ‘This can’t be.’ I didn’t even think, I was just like, ‘I need to rescue this dog’,” officer McCombs told The Dodo.
During that frigid night in Detroit, the windchill plummeted to a biting -20 degrees, creating a perilous and freezing setting for any dog left outside.
“I was angry because it was intentional. Who could do this? Somebody had the thought of, ‘I’m gonna chain this dog to a porch and leave her there while she’s completely malnourished,” officer McCombs said.
The dog was not only shivering from the cold but also displayed an intense hunger. She devoured the treats provided, underscoring her urgent need for food and warmth.
Her appearance alone made it clear that she had been without food for a long time.
Upon being freed from the porch, her mix of fear and relief was palpable. She wasted no time in leaping into the safety of the police car.
The dog suffered from frostbite on her ear tips. Officer McCombs and his partner swiftly got her into their vehicle, pondering their next steps. Ultimately, they decided to take her to the Detroit Animal Care and Control shelter.
Despite this, the dog left a lasting impression on one of the officers, who found himself continually thinking about her.
New Chapter
During her time at the shelter, Officer McCombs often thought about the dog’s future beyond the shelter’s walls. She was worthy of a loving home and a fulfilling life. The question was, who would give her that chance?
It became clear to Officer McCombs that he had grown deeply fond of the gentle dog, whom he affectionately named Sweet Pea. Moved by her plight and charm, he made the heartfelt decision to welcome her into his family permanently.
He sought assistance from Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue, and they expressed the following in their social media update:
“One of the officers couldn’t stop thinking about her, so he reached out to us, and today we went and pulled her. We are going to be taking care of all of her medical needs, and then she will be adopted by her hero… DPD Officer McCombs!”
Eric, already a pet parent to Homer, felt a compelling urge to rescue this little one. “It was an extraordinary moment. Twice the food, twice the vet bills, twice everything. But it was necessary,” McCombs shared.
Sweet Pea, upon arriving at her new abode, was unfamiliar with the comforts of indoor living. She hesitated to climb onto the couch or bed and was even reluctant to try peanut butter.
All she required was a bit of patience, and that’s precisely what she received.
Before long, Sweet Pea began to savor the delights of her new environment, basking in the affection and attention she was showered with.
Today, she’s thoroughly enjoying her idyllic existence, as the echoes of her former street life in Detroit grow ever fainter in her mind.
Genuine Heroism
Sweet Pea represents just one of the many dogsOfficer McCombs has saved from Detroit’s harsh streets.
His commitment to rescuing dogs doesn’t stop there; he’s a constant source of hope for countless forsaken and forgotten dogs.
He poses the question, “Why not save Pit Bulls while serving as a police officer?” It’s a powerful call to action that resonates deeply.
A heartfelt thanks to Officer Eric McCombs for his unwavering care and dedication to these vulnerable animals. His efforts profoundly impact their lives.
The Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue proudly acknowledges, “Having Officer McCombs on our team is an honor. We’re immensely grateful for his extraordinary efforts to champion the cause of animals in need of a hero.”
