Zip-Tied Doberman Gets New Leash on Life When Compassionate Cop Becomes His Rescuer and Mom

On a chilly February morning in South Bend, Indiana, the police department received a call about a stray dog running loose with a zip tie cruelly bound around his muzzle. Though some Good Samaritans attempted to catch him, the frightened pup evaded their efforts. When Officer Stephanie Northcutt arrived on scene, it was clear the dog was terrified.

Dog Rescue: Zip-Tied Doberman Gets New 'Leash' on Life When Compassionate Cop Becomes His Rescuer and Mom
Source: South Bend Police Department

Northcutt Approached the Pup Calmly and Slowly

Officer Northcutt’s body camera captured the entire rescue from her vantage point. She cautiously approached the frightened Doberman by crouching down and calmly moving. She gently reassured  the pup, allowing trust to build over those crucial first few minutes. 

Officer Northcutt was able to safely grab the leash still around the dog’s neck without causing further distress. She then brought him out of harm’s way to receive the urgent care and relief he needed after his terrible ordeal. She held him close as a bystander carefully cut the zip tie, freeing the dog from the cruel muzzle that had bound him for an unknown length of time. The tie was clamped down so hard that it left a deep indentation around his snout.

Dog Rescue: Zip-Tied Doberman Gets New 'Leash' on Life When Compassionate Cop Becomes His Rescuer and Mom
Source: South Bend Police Department

Northcutt then transported him to the South Bend Animal Resource Center, where the rescued dog could get his wounds treated and the investigation into the abuse would begin.

Just Days Later, The Doberman Finds His Fur-Ever Home

The vets who cared for the dog after he arrived at the shelter said that he would not suffer any long-term physical effects from his injuries. Despite the horrendous treatment he received at the hands of a vicious human, he was doing extremely well.

Officer Northcutt knew from the moment she met the resilient pup that he would be the perfect addition to her family. She immediately began the process of adopting him. Bestowing him with the name Zeus, Northcutt introduced the rescued dog to her other canine companions, ensuring they all spent quality time getting acquainted.

Dog Rescue: Zip-Tied Doberman Gets New 'Leash' on Life When Compassionate Cop Becomes His Rescuer and Mom
Source: South Bend Police Department

The South Bend Police Department announced on their Facebook page that Zeus’ adoption was official and complete. In a heartwarming twist, the department revealed this wasn’t the first time the animal-loving officer had rescued a dog she found in dire circumstances while on patrol. Though no additional details were provided, they shared that Officer Northcutt had humorously quipped, “The dispatchers at St. Joseph County 9-1-1 should stop sending her to animal calls because she will soon run out of room at her house!”

Officer Northcutt Is Giving Even More Back to Her Community

Dog Rescue: Zip-Tied Doberman Gets New 'Leash' on Life When Compassionate Cop Becomes His Rescuer and Mom
Source: South Bend Police Department

Officer Northcutt’s compassion didn’t end with rescuing and adopting Zeus. Moved by how deeply the community was touched by the pup’s harrowing story and her kindness, she decided to sponsor two more adoptions at the shelter. Northcutt’s sponsorship of additional adoptions allows more fortunate dogs to experience the loving redemption that changed Zeus’ life forever. 

Source: Facebook

Though over a month has passed, the investigation into Zeus’ appalling mistreatment remains open, with no updates provided to the community thus far. Those following the case fervently hope the perpetrators of such cruelty will soon be identified and brought to justice for their deplorable actions.

Dog Rescue: Zip-Tied Doberman Gets New 'Leash' on Life When Compassionate Cop Becomes His Rescuer and Mom
Source: South Bend Police Department

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