Resilient German Shepherd Honks Car Horn to Save Itself, Finds New Home with Rescuer

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department recently shared a heartwarming story of a dog that was rescued from a hot car by one of their officers. The incident took place on June 20 when officers were called to a hotel parking lot, where they found a German Shepherd left in a vehicle, honking the car horn to alert people to its presence.

Tragic Discovery

Upon arrival, officers discovered two dogs and a cat left inside the vehicle in 90-degree heat, with no air conditioning and only slightly open windows. Tragically, one of the dogs had already died due to the extreme conditions. Witnessing this heartbreaking scene, Public Safety Officer (PSO) Poe immediately reached out to Indianapolis Animal Care Services to inquire about adopting the resilient German Shepherd.

"In a touching display of humanity, IMPD Public Safety Officer (PSO) Poe has given a second chance at happiness to a dog that was left to suffer in a hot vehicle."

A Happy Ending

Following this incident, the police department shared an update on their Facebook page, revealing that PSO Poe had officially adopted the German Shepherd, now named Abby. Abby was welcomed into her new "FURever" home, and PSO Poe expressed that the moment he switched her collar, it felt like Abby knew she was finally home for good.

Preventing Similar Tragedies

The heartwarming rescue of Abby brings attention to the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars. The Humane Society warns that even when it's 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside a locked car can soar to 99 degrees Fahrenheit within just 10 minutes. To prevent such incidents, it's crucial for everyone to be aware of the following steps:

Immediate Action

• Never leave your dog in a car, especially during warmer temperatures.
• If you see a dog locked in a car, the first step is to try and locate the owner. Inform the management of the establishment if the car is parked in a business lot and make attempts to find the owner.
• If the owner cannot be found, promptly call the non-emergency number of the local police or animal control and wait by the car for their arrival.
• Good Samaritans can legally remove animals from cars in several states under certain circumstances, so it's essential to know the laws in your area and follow the required procedures.
• Report the situation by calling the local animal control agency's number and the police department's non-emergency number. Stay by the car until help arrives, ensuring that no dog is left alone in a hot car.

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and taking immediate action to prevent such tragedies from happening to any beloved pets. The safety and well-being of animals should always be a top priority for everyone.