It was a Sunday morning when a Good Samaritan spotted a white dog struggling to stay afloat in New York’s East River.
They immediately called the NYPD and told the officers that the dog needed help.
The officers sped to the scene with urgency, knowing they had to act fast.
The Maltese dog felt terrified and alone and was shaking with cold. She couldn’t have guessed that help was on the way and that her life would soon change.
Pulling The Dog To Safety
Jared DeSalvo and his two teammates arrived at the spot and pulled the dog to safety. They wrapped her up in a blanket and DeSalvo held her in his arms.
The pup sighed in relief because her ordeal had ended.
Her rescuers took her to the 1st Precinct, and shortly afterward, she was brought to Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC).
The vet team examined her, and fortunately, she wasn’t injured.
However, she was diagnosed with a respiratory infection and was prescribed a course of antibiotics.
She didn’t have a microchip, dog license, or any other identification.
The dog, later named Hudson, was put on stray hold.
The staff and volunteers fell in love with her, and the doggo enjoyed hanging out with them and soaking up their affection.
The ACC posted her story on Facebook, asking anyone who had any information about Hudson to come forward.
Meanwhile, Hudson was placed in foster care, where she made a complete recovery.
Since nobody claimed her, it became clear that the dog would have to find another home.
DeSalvo’s children, Salvatore and Stella, knew that their dad rescued Hudson, and they asked about her every single day. They wanted to know what happened to her.
The Happy Ending That Every Dog Deserves
After six weeks had gone by and Hudson’s owner didn’t show up, DeSalvo decided to adopt her and give her the home she deserved.
“Unfortunately, no one came forward. But [it presents] a unique opportunity for me and my family. We’ll be adopting Hudson, and she’ll be in good care,” DeSalvo said in an Instagram reel shared by the NYPD.
DeSalvo and his wife, Nicole, decided to surprise their kids. Nicole told them that she was taking them to a Communion party, but drove them to the New York shelter.
After signing the adoption paperwork, DeSalvo waited with Hudson in the hall until Nicole and the kids arrived.
Once they saw their dad holding the pup, they rushed to her side and showered her with hugs.
The whole family was happy.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to give her a second chance. She’ll be a great part of our family. She’ll be very well taken care of,” Desalvo told NY Daily News.
Hudson was grateful because she got a second lease at life and the happy ending she always wished for.