Baltimore Humane Society honors Officer Dan for rescuing a “vicious” pit bull
Baltimore City Police Officer Dan Waskiewicz will be honored today by the Baltimore Humane Society for the compassion he displayed responding to a call about a “vicious” dog.
When Waskiewicz earlier this year arrived at the location where the vicious dog had been reported, in south Baltimore, he saw a pit bull being chased by children, who were throwing bottles at the dog.
The officer called the dog, who ran over with tail between legs and sat down next to him.
Waskiewicz, a rookie and recent graduate of the police academy, put the dog in his squad car and took it to Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS). He returned to BARCS during the next few days to visit. Three days after receiving the call, with no owners coming forward, Waskiewicz adopted the dog, who’s now named Bo.
Officer Waskiewicz passed the story and photo along back in May to a pit bull rescue group in northeast Pennsylvania, which blogged about it. The photo went viral, turning Waskiewicz into something of an Internet folk hero.
“So often we hear stories where law enforcement officers rush to judgment with violent action,” said Jen Swanson, Baltimore Humane Society executive director. Waskiewicz, she said, observed the situation calmly before he acted. “He saved the life of an innocent animal and avoided what could have been a situation with a tragic ending.”
The ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Adoption Center at the Baltimore Humane Society on 1601 Nicodemus Road in Reisterstown. The public is invited.
Posted by jwoestendiek August 1st, 2012 under Muttsblog.
Tags: adopted, adoption, animals, award, baltimore, baltimore humane, baltimore humane society, barcs, bo, call, city, dan waskiewicz, dog, dogs, honor, jen swanson, officer, pets, photo, pit bull, pit bulls, police, vicious, viral
Comments
Comment from Diana
Time August 1, 2012 at 10:45 pm
I need to meet this guy! I drove to New York to rescue a pit. He is one amazing guy to do this!
Comment from einir
Time August 1, 2012 at 11:07 pm
congrats officer Dan Waskiewicz we need more officers like you you have most deffinetly earnt the respect and right to wear that uniform and call your self a brilliant human being xxxxx
Comment from Colleen Hamilton
Time August 1, 2012 at 11:12 pm
What an awesome story, the the two look perfect for each other, I love this!
Comment from Michelle
Time August 2, 2012 at 12:05 am
Officer Dan you are amazing, thank you so much for being an exceptional, wonderful human being!
Comment from Alex
Time August 2, 2012 at 12:22 am
I see some is being bathed with thanks! Officer Waskiewicz, you are a God among men, thank you for rescuing Bo!
Comment from k. baker
Time August 2, 2012 at 12:59 am
this guy deserves a medal indeed.. there arent bad dogs..just bad owners. dogs usually only act aggressivly if provoked or taught that its ok. i own a pitbull (also a rescue) and its amazing how many people cross the street just to pass my house if hes outside…not knowing they would only be licked to death. kudos to the officer for not reacting to the situation like most officers would have!
Comment from Mark
Time August 2, 2012 at 3:53 am
The Officer Dan story is great! It’s always nice to see them use their heart and react kindly to a situation – and that he is getting to keep such a fine dog is icing on the cake.
Comment from W. Doric
Time August 2, 2012 at 6:32 am
Thank you Officer Dan, you should great judgment far exceeding so many other stories we hear about. Thank you and I know Bo thanks you.
Comment from Pamela
Time August 2, 2012 at 10:58 am
Thank you Officer Dan! I had a female Brindle named Pistol,and I swear she was one of the sweetest,loyal dogs ever! Certainly looks like Bo loves you. God Bless!
Comment from beth
Time August 2, 2012 at 1:54 pm
mad respect. much luck to him and his new baby.
Comment from Luanne
Time August 2, 2012 at 10:04 pm
God Bless You Officer!!!!!
Comment from Lorraine
Time August 3, 2012 at 6:10 am
Thank you Officer Dan! You are a true hero and thank you, too, for adopting Bo, he’s beautiful …
Comment from Jaine
Time August 3, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Well done,he judged the situation and not the dog being a pit bull.I hope he sorted out the nasty kids throwing stuff at the poor wee soul x
Comment from Starla
Time August 3, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Always LUV a pit bull story w/ a Happy Ending!Thanx Officer Dan for being this dogs hero! Wishing you many happy years & adventures together!
Comment from JoAnne Daigle
Time August 1, 2012 at 10:45 pm
God bless you Officer Waskiewicz.