The job of an animal rescuer is never only a job. It’s rather a mission – a lifelong dedication to saving lives, even when things don’t seem easy at first.
The crew at Jacksonville ACPS in Florida knew this, so when they received an urgent call about a Pitbull stranded on Myrtle Avenue bridge, they immediately rushed into action.
The rescue, however, was far from easy!
She Was Inches Away From The Inevitable
A group of officers who arrived at the location realized this was going to be a difficult rescue. The dog was sitting on the edge of the bridge, only inches away from falling, for twelve straight hours.
The only way to save her was to leash her around her neck and pick her up with bare hands. However, the rescuers didn’t know how this timid girl would react!
Based on her appearance, the officers determined that she was more than afraid. She was terrified of everything and everyone, and justifiably so! The cars were passing and the wind was blowing so that you could literally feel the bumps.
That’s why Officer Cooper and two of his other colleagues decided to take things slowly.
“I had to take a few breaths. I knew this was a very dangerous situation. The wind was blowing the bridge, every car that passed by, you could feel the bumps,” Kyle told The Dodo.
The three of them called out to the pup and then approached her really slowly. When they finally reached her, she, to everyone’s surprise, didn’t budge at all! She was literally frozen in fear, and in a way, she knew that the strange humans were there to help.
Cooper slowly put a leash around her neck and muzzle (for safety), while his colleague used a big catch pole to assist. Eventually, the team managed to pull her up and bring her to safety with a big sigh of relief!
“The officers were able to rescue this terrified dog in an incredibly humane, gentle way, getting her to safety as quickly as possible,” Jacksonville ACPS stated on social media.
The pup, symbolically named Myrtle, after the bridge she was saved from, was finally in rescue!
It took some time for her to decompress and adapt to the new circumstances, but she eventually transformed into the sweetest pup. Myrtle was so full of life and personality and all she wanted to do was cuddle.
She approached her caregivers and instantly lie on her back, requesting belly rubs. She was definitely a sweetheart. And, even though she was diagnosed with heartworms, Myrtle was definitely far from giving up!
Myrtle Won The Hearts Of Her New Family
Myrtle’s kind and cheerful character was discovered in no time! A family reached out to the shelter, inquiring about her adoption status. The very next moment – she was in a loving home next to incredible owners!
“It didn’t take long until she won the hearts of her AMAZING new family. They’re not only welcoming her into their home (at whatever pace she needs), but will be giving her extra TLC as she undergoes heartworm treatment,” the Florida shelter concluded.
Today, Myrtle is happier than ever. She tackles challenges, enjoys her life, and has the home of her dreams.