NYPD Harbor Unit officers recount moment they saved lost dog from East River waters

The NYPD rescued a dog that was discovered desperately trying to stay afloat in the frigid East River waters on Sunday morning.

NYPD

The NYPD Harbor Unit officers who saved a dog struggling to stay afloat in the East River last week recounted when they pulled the pup to safety.

The furry little miracle dog was whisked out of the ruff waters just off the South Street Seaport on March 30 and is now going through the adoption process. After the wet ball of fluff became a viral sensation and its owner failed to materialize, police say there is a long line of prospective owners ready to give her a forever home.

Meanwhile, the cops involved in the viral rescue recounted to amNewYork how it unfolded. According to Police Officer Jared Desalvo, the cops arrived at the scene around 8 a.m. on March 30 to see a woman at the seaport frantically pointing them to where the canine was fighting for his life against the waves.

“We went to where she pointed, and you could see a small, white object,” Desalvo recalled. “The water was a little rough that day, but the problem is encouraging the dog to swim to the boat.”

The officers coaxed the pup over to the boat by whistling and hollering while being careful not to let it get trapped under it. The plan worked, and they were able to pull her onboard, much to the delight of onlookers. Once aboard, they wrapped the drenched dog in a towel and placed her on the boat. 

“It didn’t fight us, it didn’t act scared, it was basically just relieved,” Police Officer Joseph Pascone said. 

The cops quizzed onlookers but had not seen how or when the dog had ended up in the East River. They handed it off to authorities from the 1st precinct, who then took it to be examined by a vet. The rescue itself became an internet sensation, with New Yorkers praising the officers online for making the save.

“I would be upset if my dog wound up in the water, and my family would be distraught about it. The preservation of life is one of our priorities, and I’m glad we were able to pull the dog out,” Desalvo said.

According to police sources, the dog’s owner was unable to be identified, and the adoption process is beginning with many New Yorkers interested thanks to the high-profile nature of the rescue.

The officers themselves thanked the public for calling 911 and alerting them to the pup’s plight and also looked to remind pet owners to make sure their animals have a collar and are microchipped. But, above all, they say they are happy they were able to help save a life.

“We wanted to get her back with their owner and, if not,  to get her a home,” Police Officer Jenny Driscoll said.