Dog That Drowned In Mystic Island Lagoon Was Favorite At Popcorn Park Zoo

by Patricia A. Miller

Penn, a perky, sweet and friendly little black shar pei mix, was a favorite of the staff at the Popcorn Park Zoo.

He spent many months at the Associated Humane Societies shelter in Lacey Township, after he was found abandoned in Penn Station.

The staff had even jokingly considered keeping him at the shelter as a ‘good will ambassador,” according to the organization’s Facebook page.

But he was adopted by a thoroughly-screened family on Thursday. Shortly after, Penn was dead.

“Penn’s adopters decided to take him to a friend’s house to introduce him shortly after they adopted him,“ according to the Facebook post. “Penn got out of the back door of that house and into the unfamiliar backyard. We can only assume that Penn did not see the lagoon as it was dark out, and he ended up going in the water. He found himself stuck under some ice and although firemen were able to get Penn out of the lagoon, it was too late and he could not be revived.”

Police were called to a home on West Anchor Drive about 8:30 p.m. that night, to assist the dog, according to a report on the Jersey Shore Scanner News Facebook page.

While police officers looked for the dog, two members of the dive team from Mystic Island Volunteer Fire Company Station 72 suited up to search in the water, according to the Scanner News New Jersey Facebook page. The divers found the dog and put it into the Great Bay EMS ambulance. But it was too late for Penn.

“We cannot put into words how devastated we are by the loss of our friend Penn, and wish that all of you could have had the opportunity to meet this lovable and sweet guy, who we all called “the perfect dog,” the Facebook page states. ”We did so much with Penn during his time with us including using him as our “dog-tester”, since he was so good with other dogs, to having him show off our agility course because he was a pro at jumping hurdles. Penn truly was the perfect little dog and he will live on in our hearts and memories forever. Rest in peace dear Penn.....we will love you always.”

Photo credit: Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park Zoo.