Being a police officer ranks among the most challenging jobs one can have. Each day, these dedicated individuals don uniforms and face a variety of dangers. While their primary duties involve enforcing laws, arresting offenders, and ensuring public safety, their responsibilities often extend beyond these tasks.
In some instances, police work involves rescuing individuals in distress—and not all those individuals are human. The story we’re about to explore highlights an extraordinary day in the life of a police officer, where the life saved was that of a small, vulnerable animal on the brink of disaster.
A Distress Call from an Unexpected Source
Deputy James Gettings and his colleague, Troy Glover, were on routine duty in Fort Pierce, Florida, serving civil process paperwork at a local residence. As they were about to leave, a faint, heart-wrenching sound caught their attention. It was a kind of whimpering, coming from a distance, and it was too compelling to ignore.
The source of these cries led them to an empty lot, where the deputies discovered its origin—a septic drain. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office shared on their Facebook page the unfolding of events. Peering into the drain, the deputies were shocked to find a small dog trapped inside, its body submerged, with only its head visible above the murky water. The puppy had unfortunately fallen into a collapsed section of the drain and was stuck neck deep.
Immediate Action to Rescue the Trapped Puppy
Without hesitation, Deputies Gettings and Glover sprang into action. The rescue was delicate; the puppy, soaked and terrified, became agitated as the deputies approached. However, using a catch pole typically utilized in animal control situations, they managed to safely extract the frightened animal from the drain.
Following the rescue, the deputies took additional steps to comfort the distressed animal. They bathed the puppy several times, trying to soothe its fears and calm it down after the traumatic experience.
A New Home for a Lucky Survivor
After the initial rescue, the deputies faced a new dilemma—what should be done with the puppy? They began by searching the neighborhood, hoping to locate the dog’s owner. Despite their efforts, they had no luck in finding anyone who recognized the dog.
It was then that Deputy Gettings felt a strong, almost inexplicable pull towards the animal. Perhaps it was fate or simply a deep sense of compassion that led him to make a decisive choice—he would adopt the puppy himself. He didn’t need much time to think; it just felt like the right thing to do.
Healing and Finding a Family
The newly named “Puddle” had some health issues following his ordeal. His back legs weren’t functioning properly when he was first rescued, likely due to the time spent trapped in the drain. However, with medical attention and a lot of love, Puddle began to recover.
He was introduced to his new family, which included Deputy Gettings’ wife, Rachael, their two-year-old daughter, Evelyn, and their basset hound, Lacie. The family welcomed Puddle with open arms, providing him with the warmth and security of a loving home.
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Deputy Gettings shared insights into Puddle’s new life. He mentioned that Puddle enjoys lounging around the house and loves being at home. It seems that despite his rough start, Puddle has found his forever home where he can enjoy peace and happiness.
Puddle’s New Beginning
As Puddle settles into his new environment, it’s clear that his presence is a source of joy for the Gettings family. His rescue not only saved his life but also added to the family’s happiness. It’s stories like these that remind us of the compassion and dedication of those in law enforcement. Their willingness to go beyond the call of duty can sometimes mean the difference between life and death—even for the smallest among us.
Puddle’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the unexpected challenges police officers may face and the profound impact they can have on the lives they touch. We wish Puddle and the Gettings family many wonderful years together, filled with happiness and love.
