The little puppy, frightened by a car, darted under the canal channel and became trapped in the pitch-black tunnel. She was unable to move until a police officer arrived to help her.
Officer Joe Brazil, known for his readiness to assist, acted swiftly to rescue a vulnerable dog without hesitation.
On May 2, 2016, Peggy Edwards shared her story on Facebook, where it quickly went viral. The deeply touching narrative resonated with everyone who read it.
The story centers around Joe, a police officer from Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It all started when a car frightened a timid Yorkshire terrier puppy, causing the dog to flee and seek refuge in a tunnel.
Peggy shared her experience on Facebook, recounting, “On April 30th, a small dog was running freely when it was startled by a passing car. The dog ended up in a tunnel through which a local creek flows. She was stuck about 20-25 feet inside, clinging to the edge.
Despite her instincts urging her to help, she hesitated to assist the frightened dog, fearing that her actions might cause it to retreat further into the tunnel.
Realizing she needed assistance, she promptly contacted the Woonsocket Police Department, and help was soon on the way.
Not long after, Officer Joe Brazil arrived, ready and eager to assist.”
The courageous Officer was quick to offer his assistance as Peggy recounted the situation.
We were relieved that he managed to rescue the young pup, and Peggy noted, “He dove in without a moment’s hesitation and came out with a very wet, frightened little dog.”
Before entering the tunnel to rescue the tiny dog, the considerate Officer removed his shoes and socks.
WJAR NBC10 managed to contact the officer, who shared, “As I got nearer, I could see Cece clinging to the side and trembling with fear.”
The Officer was careful not to frighten the already terrified dog any further down the tunnel.
What happened next was remarkable!
Once he was close enough to the scared pup, he gently allowed Cece to follow his fingers a bit further into the tunnel before lifting her out.
Brazil told WJAR NBC10, “It seemed like she understood I was there to help. It was as if she was saying thank you.”
In the photo, the affectionate dog looks deeply grateful to the kind officer who rescued her.
The dog, named Cece, was revealed to be from a loving home, not a stray, according to a follow-up interview with WJAR NBC10. Michelle Perez, Cece’s owner, was overjoyed to have her pet found. She shared that her mother-in-law had given her the adorable puppy, but it had escaped the very next day!
In an interview, Perez shared, “She’s only five months old. I couldn’t sleep; I just kept driving around and trying to reach her.”
Thanks to Peggy Edwards and the compassionate Officer Joe Brazil, Cece was rescued from the frightening tunnel and safely reunited with her owner. We’re all grateful and relieved that Cece was rescued and brought back to her human!
