Dog Tied To Mile Marker Home With Police Officer Who Saved Her

GREENPORT, NY — In the end, sometimes good wins: On Saturday, a dog found tied to a mile marker in Greenport and abandoned went to her forever home — with the police officer who saved her.

"She is headed home!" Gabrielle Stroup of the North Fork Animal Welfare League said.

Southold Town Police Officer James Crosser and his wife Olivia arrived at the NFAWL shelter in Peconic Saturday to bring the senior pup home. "They were all grinning ear to ear," Stroup said. "It brought tears to our eyes and seeing how happy the two of them are to welcome her into their home is heartwarming — a great ending!"

The senior chihuahua was brought into the Peconic shelter by Crosser on June 7 at 5:40 a.m. after being found tied to the mile marker on Chapel Lane, where she was believed to have been abandoned and left overnight, unable to protect herself from wildlife.

Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said Crosser found the small chihuahua tied to a red utility marker, with a red collar and red leash; however, no tags were located.

"The dog appeared to have wounds on its body and head," he said.

"It seems like the dog was left there," Stroup said. While it was not immediately clear how long she'd been tied up to the post, Stroup said the dog had two punctures when found; it was unclear how she sustained the injuries.

At the NFAWL, Fern did a lot of sleeping, had a bath, and was sent to the vet for a full checkup before her adoption, Stroup said.

"The whole staff thinks it's a great end to a very sad situation," Stroup said. "It is nice to see how much they already seem to care for her."