On a cold, rainy day, New York police officer Michael Pascale became a true hero when he was born with a little black dog named Joey. While patrolling the public park on his patrol, he couldn’t ignore the sight of Joey, nestled among discarded needles and broken beer bottles.

Joey was in a desperate situation, tied to the fence with a strong chain around it, soaked by the rain, shaking and clearly dejected. The pitiful look in Joey’s eyes struck a chord with Officer Pascale, and he knew he had to act.

“The first thing that occurred to me was that I needed to get him out of here,” Pascale shared with The Dodo. What followed was a moving story of rescue and adoption that would change both of their lives forever.

Officer Pascale wasted no time. She took Joey to the Aпimal Care Ceпters of NYC shelter in Brooklynп and, as she dried the grateful pup with a towel, a special bond began to form between them. For Pascale, Joey is just an animal; He saw a soul in need.

“I don’t see any animal,” Pascale stressed. “I notice υп soul. And that’s not something I avoid.” He sent a text message with a photo of the abandoned puppy to his wife, who responded: “Bring him home!” The couple was ready to adopt Joey, with only the road blocking him.

Animal Care Centers informed Officer Pascale that Joey had to undergo a mandatory 72-hour detention. This waiting period ensures that only abandoned or mistreated animals have the opportunity to reciprocate with their losses. Despite their enthusiasm for adopting Joey, Pascale and his wife understood the importance of this waiting period.

During those long 72 hours, Officer Pascale visited Joey every day, forming an even stronger bond with the sweet dog. Finally, when control over the strays was lifted, Pascale kept her promise to Joey, adopting him and promising to protect him from faithlessness and abandonment.

Joey’s transition from a cold, wet stray dog to a beloved member of the complete family showered Pascale with grateful kisses. They will return home to begin the next chapter of their lives together.

Today, Joey enjoys exploring New York City with his father and cozying up to the couch with his mother. Officer Pascale points out that Joey has become quite the “mommy’s boy.” While Joey may be perfect (he occasionally gets caught in the trash and still doesn’t like to go out in the rain), he is happy and loved.

In the end, the only thing Joey really wanted was home was love, and thanks to Officer Pascale’s compassion, he found that and more. Joey’s moving journey reminds you of the incredible bond that can form between humans and animals and the transformative power of kindness and rescue.