Cop ‘feared the worst’ when she spotted a 'small pile of fur' in the middle of the street — until it moved and she called for backup

As she stood near the pile, it surprisingly looked up at her and began wagging its tail.

PUBLISHED 9 HOURS AGO

(L) A pile of dog fur, (R) A police and walkie talkie for radio in city. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L)Alla Orlova, (R) Jacob Wackerhausen)

A cop patrolling the streets of North Carolina stumbled on a pile of fur lying in the middle of a random street. She could not help but investigate the furrball and was taken aback when it moved. The police officer, Sergeant Snyder, was concerned by the heartbreaking sight and soon reached for her phone to call for backup. Moments later, a team of officers accompanied her as her worst fears came true.

A small dog face is hidden by the masses of fur covering its face. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images |Groomee)

Sgt. Snyder of the Fayetteville Police Department was out on a regular patrol when she noticed the “small pile of fur” and stopped to check. As she stood near the pile, it surprisingly looked up at her and began wagging its tail. The police officer was shocked to find that it was a small dog with severely matted fur lying in the middle of a road. “He had given up, lying motionless in the road as if he had nowhere left to go,” stated a Facebook post shared by the police department on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. She did not think twice before calling for backup while a fellow police officer, Sgt. Burton pulled out a pair of trauma shears from the kit to give the matted pup a quick “roadside haircut.”

Woman Hand Trimming Dog. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Goochie Poochie Grooming)

The poor dog patiently waited as the officer snipped away “months of painful mats.” Meanwhile, Sgt. Snyder arranged for food and water to offer to the struggling pup. Eventually, Officer O’Conner arrived and made sure all of the dog’s needs were taken care of. He “was immediately taken by the little guy, offering to take him home for a bath, a vet visit, a meal, and some long-overdue kindness,” the post added. It was only a matter of a few hours before the dog witnessed his sudden transformation. The officers were enlightened to see that the same dog that had been left to die was now brimming with life. The furry pal was clean, comfortable, and “showered with care.”

Police officer on duty alone, assessing situation and danger. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Kali9) — Police officer on duty alone, assessing the situation and danger. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Kali9)

The remarkable transformation was credited to the three police officers of the FPD K9 Unit who took all the trouble to save a “life in need.” Officer O’Conner promised to take care of the pup as a foster parent, but his peers strongly feel it is set to be a “foster fail.” The police department lauded the officers for their compassion and for living up to the duties of their uniform. The post was a hit among viewers with nearly 10,000 likes and notes of appreciation. “All of you are just awesome. It's the kindness for the most helpless that makes officers like you restore faith in law enforcement officers,” wrote @StephanieAmspokerOverby and @KellyMarie suggested, “Someone should recommend them for a life-saving award.”

“This is something I needed to see today. Amazing people, doing great things. That pup's life is forever changed,” said @JefferyFlett. In the U.S., strict animal cruelty laws aim to prevent and eliminate any form of mistreatment and neglect by pet owners, according to a report by Criminal Defense Lawyer. While the police could not find the dog’s owner, they made sure the poor animal was taken care of and in safe hands in the future.