Dog Wouldn’t Leave Dead Companion; NJ Cops Make Highway Rescue

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Animals can form lifelong bonds just the same as humans. On Thursday, a sad story (with a semi-happy ending) illustrated this concept on the side of a busy highway in North Jersey.

According to the NJ State Police, troopers were called to the shoulder of Interstate 280 in Newark after getting a report about two dogs on the side of the road during rush hour. Knowing that the area was a dangerously busy stretch of highway, the officers were “greatly concerned” about the safety of the animals.

Their fears were confirmed when the officers arrived on the scene to find a German Shepherd lying next to a deceased pit bull, police said.

• See related article: Essex County Animal Shelter Says ‘Bonded Pairs Shouldn’t Be Separated’

“With no owner in sight, [the officers] knew they had to get the shepherd off the highway, but she did not want to leave the other dog's side,” police stated. “They eventually were able to get her out of harm's way and into the back of a police car.”

Neither dog had a collar or any other identifying markers, so the troopers decided to take her back to the station, authorities said.

Police contacted a local animal shelter which took possession of the shepherd.

“Exactly how the dogs ended up on the side of the highway remains under investigation,” state police wrote. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the other dog, but we're elated that we were able to rescue the shepherd.”

• See related article: Cops Find Lost Dog In Blizzard Near Lincoln Tunnel

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Photo: NJ State Police