A resilient German Shepherd found itself trapped inside a sweltering hot car, but managed to alert passersby by honking the car horn. This determined dog, after being rescued, was given a second chance at life by a police officer on the scene.
On June 20th, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department received a report that a pit bull, a German Shepherd, and a cat had been left inside a car with no air conditioning and windows only open half an inch. They had been in the car for nearly three hours with temperatures outside exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The car was parked in the parking lot of an Intown Suites Hotel in the city, and when officers arrived, they found the keys inside the vehicle. Unfortunately, the pit bull had already passed away, the German Shepherd was gasping heavily, showing signs of extreme exhaustion, and the cat was barely clinging to life.
Public Safety Officer Sam Poe told Epoch Times that witnesses on the scene informed IMPD that the German Shepherd, then named Sugar and now renamed Abby, was honking the horn and attempting to break through the window with its nose to escape the vehicle. Officer Poe expressed, “Seeing an animal lose its life in that way is heartbreaking. Even though we work in law enforcement, we are also human.”
When Officer Poe first laid eyes on the German Shepherd, now renamed Abby, he found her locked in the back seat of a pickup truck, awaiting animal control.
Officer Poe revealed, “I played with her for a bit just to get a feel for her temperament. Despite Abby being in pain, she was very cute, gentle, and curious.”
Having worked in law enforcement for around three years, Officer Poe was moved by the gentle nature of the dog, and inquired with the animal control department about adopting her. He left his name and information with them, and after a five-day wait, he was finally able to bring Abby home.
Officer Poe stated, “She chose me, I did not choose her. I never thought about bringing a dog home while on duty or even thought about adopting a dog, but that’s how it played out.”
As Officer Poe changed Abby’s collar, she knew she was finally going home.
Interestingly, when Abby was brought home, Officer Poe’s roommates were all out of town, so he had no chance to inform them.
Officer Poe revealed, “When they learned the news from the media, initially they were like, ‘Oh, we have a dog now.’ But after meeting Abby, they all fell in love with her.”
As this story was shared online, Officer Poe said, “Everyone fell in love with Abby, even more than I did.”
The once neglected German Shepherd has now settled into her new home.
Officer Poe shared, “She enjoys sitting outdoors and on the balcony, taking in the life. Whenever she gets a chance, she naps, and she loves playing with toys.”
Officer Poe and his roommates already have four cats, and Abby has seamlessly blended in with them.
According to reports, Abby’s previous owners, a 74-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man, have been arrested and taken to Marion County Jail. They are facing charges of animal cruelty.
Meanwhile, the cat that was rescued from the brink of death has been taken to an adoption agency.