ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando police officer is caring for a new pet after being dispatched to a call last week.
Officer Erin Lawler said she responded to a call on July 15 after neighbors witnessed a dog being mauled by two other dogs. Lawler found the injured German shepherd mix and waited with it until Animal Control personnel arrived.
Once Animal Control arrived, the owner of the dog said they were unable to care for the dog,Lawler said. Animal Control told her that the dog would likely be put down because of her injuries.
Lawler said that is when she decided to take ownership of the dog and bring her to anemergency veterinarian.
"That is when I said nope, she deserves a chance. She is too sweet of a dog, so I had him help us put her in the back of my patrol car," Lawler said.
"It was just horrible. You could tell she was in so much pain, but she was still just so sweet."
After about a week in the hospital, the shepherd mix, now named "Bella" is at home withLawler.
The officer said rescuing the pup and making her a member of the family is just a testament of why she puts on a uniform every day.
"You go into this career to help people, but for me I don't think it's just helping people, I think it's helping anyone, including animals," Lawler said.
Lawler has also taken on the medical bills for the animal she rescued, admitting it was a little shocking, but still the right thing to do.