Exhausted Police Officer Became Internet Hero When This Photo Of Him And An Abandoned Puppy Went Viral

Jul 31, 2018 by apost team

Not everyone can function well after three back-to-back 12-hour shifts. But Officer Kareem Garibaldi isn’t one of those people. He didn’t let a little sleep-deprivation get in his way of being the hero that we all needed to see.

Garibaldi works for the Lakeland Police Department in Florida and has dedicated his life to patrolling the streets, making sure the residents are safe and sound. This doesn’t mean just humans!

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A few months ago, Garibaldi came across a stray dog while out on patrol. He was canvassing a neighborhood when he spotted the pit bull-boxer mix. The little puppy did not have any tags on her, so he grabbed her and took her to the station while he figured out his next step.

He was unable to find her owner the next day. He decided to take her to the SPCA to make sure she was healthy and unhurt.

The most amazing part is that he did this after his third 12-hour shift. While he was exhausted, both physically and mentally, he was aware that there was no way he would be able to sleep until he knew that this little girl was OK.

Connie Johnson, the shelter’s safety manager, snapped this adorable picture when she walked through the doors that morning.

He was so exhausted that he was asleep on the bench when she walked in. The little puppy slept, too. It was the most adorable moment that simply tugged at your heartstrings. He was very determined to get her the help she needed.

It was selfless and beautiful. He didn’t think about going home to sleep. He wanted this puppy to be OK. Garibaldi did wake up to make sure she was doing well but then went back to sleep.

While the puppy did have mites, she was otherwise fine. Garibaldi took her back to his station until he could decide what to do with her. The owners never did show up to claim her but someone else did. A dispatcher fell in love and adopted her right then and there.

A week later, the new owner reported that the puppy, now known as Hope, was doing great.

When the police department released the story, well wishes and thanks began to pour in for Officer Garibaldi. He was even presented the Hometown Hero Award from the SPCA from then-congressman Dennis A. Ross.

Changing the world starts with one act of kindness from us all. Officer Garibaldi showed us that it is easy to help others in need, even if they are not human. We should all learn a valuable lesson from his actions.

Did you adore this story as much as we did? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section and pass this along to your friends and family - everyone should know about this amazing officer!