Watch CBS News

Baltimore Cop Reunited With Missing Pooch Thanks To Fellow Officer

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- This year's National Puppy Day had a special meaning for one Baltimore police officer. It's the day he found his lost dog.

But it's the person who discovered the pooch that makes this such a remarkable reunion.

Gigi Barnett has more.

Sunday night, city police officer Dan Waskiewicz was frantic. His four-year-old pit bull, Bo, was missing.

"My rug got caught in my door. I came home about an hour later and saw the door open, and my heart just dropped," he said.

His six hour search through the streets of Baltimore turned up nothing.

So, on Monday, also National Puppy Day, Waskiewicz posted a Facebook ad online looking for anyone who knew where Bo was.

The dog has a special place in the officer's heart and life. Back in 2012, then a rookie, Officer Waskiewicz rescued Bo during his first few months on the street. It made national headlines, and animal groups everywhere recognized him for his service.

Tips on where Bo was started rolling in.

"Somebody said, 'Hey, I saw this ad. This is Bo.' First thing I did, I looked at it and I knew it was him," said Waskiewicz.

But the ad wasn't Waskiewicz's post. It was on Craigslist. Someone had his dog, and a reunion couldn't happen fast enough.

"It meant the world to me. I offered him $100 when I found it," said Waskiewicz.

When owner and rescuer finally met, they learned they had another connection besides Bo. Both of them work on the city's police force--and in the same district.

"I was just on patrol. I was driving down the street, coming to a red light and he jumped out right in front of my car," said Officer James Deasel.

"It's just great to see that there are more officers out there who appreciate animals and love them as much as I do," said Waskiewicz.

Officer Deasel says he wants to adopt a pit bull just like Bo soon. But since he and his wife recently welcomed a baby boy into their family, he will have to wait awhile.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.