On a Sunday morning, a concerned passerby spotted a white dog struggling to stay afloat in New York’s East River. They quickly called the NYPD to alert officers that the dog was in distress and needed immediate assistance.
The police officers rushed to the scene, fully aware that every moment counted.
The frightened Maltese was cold, shaking, and isolated, unaware that help was on the way. Little did she know, her life was about to change forever.
Rescuing The Dog From The River
Officer Jared DeSalvo and his team arrived at the location and swiftly pulled the dog from the water. They wrapped her in a blanket, and DeSalvo gently cradled her in his arms, offering her comfort.
The little dog let out a sigh of relief, grateful that her terrifying ordeal was over.
The rescuers brought her to the 1st Precinct, and not long after, she was transferred to Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC).
The veterinary team examined her and fortunately found no serious injuries. However, she was diagnosed with a respiratory infection and was given antibiotics to help her recover.
The dog did not have a microchip, dog license, or any form of identification. She was later named Hudson and placed under a stray hold.
Her kindhearted rescuers and the volunteers at ACC quickly grew fond of her, and Hudson enjoyed their attention, basking in the affection she had missed for so long.
The ACC shared her story on Facebook, hoping someone would come forward with information about Hudson’s previous owner.
While Hudson waited, she was placed in foster care, where she fully recovered from her respiratory infection. After a period of waiting for an owner to come forward, it became clear that she would need to find a new family.
DeSalvo’s children, Salvatore and Stella, knew their dad had saved Hudson, and every day they asked about her and wondered what had happened to her.
A Forever Home At Last
After six weeks with no one claiming Hudson, DeSalvo made the decision to adopt her and offer her the loving 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.
To surprise their children, DeSalvo and his wife, Nicole, told Salvatore and Stella they were going to a Communion party, but instead drove them to the shelter.
Once the adoption paperwork was completed, DeSalvo waited with Hudson in the hallway until Nicole and the kids arrived. When they saw their dad holding the dog, they rushed to her, greeting her with hugs and excitement.
The entire family was thrilled to welcome Hudson into their home.
“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 filled with gratitude, knowing that she had been given a second chance at life and the happy ending she had always dreamed of.