A snowstorm in New York can pose significant challenges and fears for everyone, particularly for the vulnerable animals left in the cold.
Many unfortunate creatures lack the necessary shelter, food, and care to survive the bitter winter.
However, for a little black-and-white-spotted puppy – now named Paddy – fate was kind. Not only did she endure the snowstorm, but she also found her forever home.
Paddy’s Rescue Story
In January 2024, Hamburg, New York, faced two consecutive lake-effect snowstorms with strong snowfall rates exceeding 3 inches per hour and frigid temperatures.
The mother of a Hamburg Police officer discovered Paddy outside during one of the snowstorms. Little Paddy was shivering, and her neck showed signs of hardship from the cold.
She took her to the police station, renowned for caring for lost and abandoned pets.
“I didn’t want to take her to the shelter. I thought maybe her owner would come to claim her. We typically post about these cases on social media, and owners usually respond quickly,” remarked Lieutenant John Baker in an interview with WKBW TV.
However, no one came forward for this sweet little girl, prompting the officers to deliberate on their next steps.
“We take in stray dogs regularly. We often jest, ‘Oh, this must be the new station dog,’ but it typically only lasts until the rightful owner claims them. When Paddy arrived, the joke evolved into something more serious; she’s definitely going to stay with us,” added Baker.
As luck would have it, Paddy arrived just when she was needed most. Since no one stepped forward to claim her, the officers saw it as fate.
“She entered our lives at just the right moment for a specific reason,” expressed Sean Crotty, the Hamburg Emergency Manager.
Paddy is now an official member of the Town of Hamburg Police and Town of Hamburg Emergency Services.
Paddy, The Rookie
The moment Paddy arrived at the police station, everyone instantly adored her.
Paddy is short for Paddy Wagon; she isn’t a K9 or a service dog, yet the officers like to joke about having a new rookie on board.
“If fire stations can have Dalmatians, why can’t we have a rescue dog? It’s been an idea we’ve discussed for quite some time, and Paddy’s affection for our officers and dispatchers made her the perfect fit,” the Town of Hamburg Police noted in their Facebook post.
Paddy is a lively and loving puppy, providing exactly what this station needed.
“She brings joy to everyone around her,” stated Lieutenant John Baker.
The officers face numerous difficult circumstances daily; thus, having a presence that can quickly uplift their spirits is genuinely invaluable.
Paddy contributes significantly to enhancing morale and supporting the mental well-being of the staff.
“We provide her with the most basic living arrangements in a loving environment, and she, in turn, offers us so much more,” remarked Officer Crotty.
Paddy has rapidly become the town mascot, even gaining her own Instagram account, where you can follow her delightful adventures.
