A Vancouver Police officer and a Good Samaritan helped reunite an adorable dog with her family this week.
In a tweet, VPD Sgt. Mark Christensen wrote that a "beautiful little dog was turned over" to him in South Vancouver. He added: "If you know the owner, please have them contact us!"
This beautiful little dog was turned over to me.... found in south Van. If you know the owner, please have them contact us! @VancouverPD @VPDTrafficUnit @ChiefPalmer @HChristie2104 @DeputyChow pic.twitter.com/KItn3tlnkd
— Sgt Mark Christensen (@baldguy1363) December 11, 2020
VPD spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison tells Vancouver Is Awesome in an email that Christensen was conducting speed enforcement on his traffic motorcycle near 41st and Elizabeth Street when he came across the dog.
"A van stopped mid-intersection, backed up, and pulled over," he explains. "The driver got out, pointed to a dog in the passenger seat, and said he had found it but didn’t know what to do with it.
"Sgt. Christensen offered to take the dog and track down the owner."
Addison adds that the "dog was shaking and appeared cold" so Christensen tucked her under his coat to keep her warm. Afterward, he took a photo of the small white pooch and posted it to social media.
A happy ending
Several people responded to the tweet, which allowed police to identify her owner.
Mark Havlasek took to Twitter following the ordeal to thank Christensen for "rescuing Bella" after she managed to sneak out and hop into a UPS truck.
"Our kids are so grateful to have her back home. How incredibly fortunate that Bella ended up in your hands," he writes.
Thank you Sgt Christensen for rescuing Bella 🐶 after she managed to sneak out and hop into a UPS truck! 😳 Our kids are so grateful to have her back home. How incredibly fortunate that Bella ended up in your hands❣️With much appreciation, Valerie, Mark, Katie & Joey 👍
— Mark Havlasek (@Havlasek) December 11, 2020
Addison adds, "The owner was very appreciative, and the dog is doing just fine."