Officer Kareem Garibaldi was on duty in Lakeland, Florida, when a puppy ran out in front of his car. He was able to swerve and avoid the puppy, and he immediately pulled over to make sure she was still okay. He grabbed her and put her in his patrol car.
He helped search for the puppy’s owner for a few hours before ending his third 12-hour shift and took the pit bull/Boxer pup to the SPCA Florida Medical Center where he fell asleep waiting by her side. 🙂
The officer didn’t have to stay with the dog, but he did so from 8:45 in the morning until noon. The vet had other patients ahead of them, so the two took some naps together. The puppy felt safe and secure with the cop who rescued her.
The Lakeland Police Department posted the story to Facebook saying: “Later that day, the puppy found a new home. It’s the kind-hearted officers like this that makes the Lakeland Police Department truly unique.”
What a heartwarming act by this officer to go above and beyond the call of duty to help a small, innocent puppy in need.