“Witnesses say the officers followed the dogs into the backyard,” Starr said. “One witness told me, ‘your animals were perfectly fine until we could no longer see them.’”
“It’s bittersweet,” Riina Cooke said. “I think a bucket list gives you a lot of hope and happiness watching them go in a positive, happy way and have some adventures and create new memories.”
“For us to come to work and to save the dog first of all, and then to have the whole animal lover community band together to try to save one dog - it’s refreshing and it’s heartwarming - and we don’t see that everyday,” officer Metcalfe said.
Teddy, a Labrador mix, was walking with his owner Mary Ann Nesdill near Hempstead Lak when he broke free from his leash, wondered onto the frozen lake, and fell in.
“She said that the fire department wasn't really wanting to do much about it, didn't want to endanger themselves,” Ciro Silvestri explained. “So if they're not going to do something, I will.”
“Donations began pouring as the news spread of River and his owner’s heartbreaking story. River’s dad has been overwhelmed by the generosity and outpouring of support,” the Chester Foundation wrote.
“They are the best dogs we have in the facility, just the bond they have together, and the love and compassion, and these dogs show you what friendship is all about,” said Candice Veach.
