Clearwater Police Officer Reunites Chihuahua With Frantic Owner

CLEARWATER, FL — During a time when police officers are getting more complaints than compliments, one Clearwater Police officer is holding steadfast to his promise "To Protect and Serve" even the tiniest residents.

When a Clearwater Beach woman reached out to Clearwater Police about her lost Chihuahua via social media last week, she thought it would be a long shot.

But, within an hour, Officer William Giannas came across Mocha about a half mile from her home, hiding in some bushes near a beach access.

"She walked up to me and let me pick her up," Officer Giannas said. "It was like she was ready to go home."

Mocha's owner was in the same area as Giannas and was about to hand him a flyer about her lost dog. That's when she saw the dog cradled in his arms.

"I didn't know what to say," said the emotional owner. "I just fell to the ground with her. It's like losing your kid. We don't have children, so that's what they are to me."

Mocha, who is 6 years old and weighs 6 pounds, was wearing the same shirt in the photo that her owner sent to Clearwater Police, making her easily identifiable.

Recently, Giannas and fellow Clearwater Police Officer Anastasia Leeman were awarded the Medal of Meritorious Service by Chief Dan Slaughter after the two came across a homeless family during a cold snap in December.

The family was having trouble finding a shelter that would accept all three members, so the two officers split the cost of the hotel room and also bought two large hot pizzas for them. The officers also provided a list of family-friendly shelters the family could explore the next day.