Being an animal rescuer isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. It’s about being willing to go the distance to save a life, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.
That’s exactly how the team at Jacksonville ACPS in Florida approached their work. So when an urgent call came in about a Pit Bull stranded on the edge of Myrtle Avenue bridge, they didn’t hesitate.
But the rescue would prove far more challenging than expected.
Barely Hanging On
When officers arrived at the scene, it was immediately clear this wouldn’t be a routine rescue. The dog had been stuck on the bridge’s edge for more than twelve hours—just inches from falling.
The only possible way to save her was to carefully secure her with a leash and lift her by hand. But there was no telling how the terrified pup would respond.
Judging by her body language, the officers could tell she was more than just scared—she was completely petrified. And it’s no wonder. With cars rushing past and wind shaking the bridge, the entire structure rumbled under their feet.
So Officer Cooper and two of his colleagues knew they had to move with extreme caution.
“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 team began calling gently to the dog as they slowly made their way toward her. Incredibly, she didn’t run or flinch—she remained completely still, frozen in fear. In her heart, maybe she sensed they were there to help.
Cooper gently looped a leash around her neck and secured her muzzle for safety. Another officer helped with a catch pole, and together, they carefully lifted her to safety.
“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 shared on social media.
Rescuers fittingly named her Myrtle, after the bridge where her life nearly ended. Safely in their care at last, she slowly began to decompress and adjust to her new surroundings.
As days passed, her true personality emerged. She became a loving, affectionate girl—so eager for cuddles and belly rubs that she would flop on her back the moment someone approached.
Even after being diagnosed with heartworms, Myrtle’s bright spirit never faded.
Myrtle Captures The Heart Of A Forever Family
It didn’t take long for Myrtle’s gentle soul to shine. Before the shelter could even post much about her, a kindhearted family reached out, eager to adopt.
“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 shelter wrote.
Today, Myrtle is thriving. She’s enjoying life with her loving family, taking on each new day with joy and courage—just like she did the day she was saved from that bridge.