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It all started when Garfield Police received a call at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, March 3, about a small, pink-colored dog running loose near River Drive and Lanza Avenue, according to Garfield Police Captain Mario X. Pozo.
Earlier that day, Molly’s owner had already reported her missing after she slipped away from her Aster Lane home around 11 a.m. Concerned for her beloved, uniquely-colored pup, the owner provided a recent photo, which was quickly shared to the Garfield Police Instagram stories in hopes the community could help, according to Garfield Police.
Once officers tracked Molly down, the real challenge began.
Sgt. Mariggi Lopez-Houck, P.O. Noah Murphy, and P.O. Benjamin Marceca tried to capture the elusive pink poodle, but Molly had other plans, dodging their every move along the riverbank near River Drive and Kipp Avenue, police said.
Then, things took a dramatic turn.
At 5:12 p.m., just as officers thought they were closing in, Molly leaped into the frigid Passaic River and began swimming toward Clifton, according to Garfield Police.
The officers could only watch in shock as she paddled her way to a small island near Dundee Lake, halfway between Garfield and Clifton.
Realizing the situation was now a full-scale river rescue, Garfield Police called in reinforcements. The Garfield Fire Department launched two boats, while Clifton Police and Clifton Fire Department were notified to assist from the Clifton side, according to Garfield Police.
After careful maneuvering through the river, Clifton Firefighter Ladder Company 3 reached the island, where they found Molly cold but unharmed, officials said.
At 6:38 p.m., with help from Clifton Animal Control, the determined poodle was safely returned to the Garfield side of the river and reunited with her relieved owner, police said.
The successful rescue was thanks to the quick thinking and teamwork of the Garfield and Clifton Fire Departments, Garfield Police, and the good Samaritan who first spotted Molly, officials said.
“We are grateful for everyone who helped bring Molly home,” Garfield Police said in a statement.
Molly’s owner also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the first responders and community members who helped bring her pink poodle back where she belongs.
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