Petite pink poodle pulled from Passaic River after 'perilous' swim
First responders from multiple municipalities came to the pup's rescue.
A pink poodle's escape from her home on Aster Lane in Garfield Monday afternoon led to a widescale response from emergency crews – and a daring rescue.
According to a statement from the Garfield Police Department, police were contacted by an Aster Lane resident who said her pink-dyed poodle named "Molly" had escaped from her residence at around 11 a.m. Concerned for her pet's safety, she sent police a photo of the dog, which was promptly shared on the department's social media pages. A few hours later, at about 4:15 p.m. police dispatchers received a call regarding a small, pink poodle running loose near River Drive and Lanza Avenue.
"Upon receiving the call, Garfield Police officers, including Sgt. Mariggi Lopez-Houck, P.O. Noah Murphy, and P.O. Benjamin Marceca, quickly responded to the scene," Garfield police said in a statement. "After searching, they eventually located the pink poodle but faced difficulties in capturing the dog, as Molly eluded them several times on the riverbank. The chase ended when the dog fled toward the riverbank near River Drive and Kipp Avenue."
A short time later, at about 5:12 p.m., the police pursuit of the pup took a frightening turn, when Molly jumped into the frigid Passaic River and began to doggy-paddle her way toward nearby Clifton, eventually making her way to a small island near the Dundee Lake, located between Clifton and Garfield.
"Realizing the complexity of the situation, Garfield Police contacted the Garfield Fire Department, which promptly launched two boats to navigate the river. Clifton Police and the Clifton Fire Department were also notified and responded to the Clifton side of the Passaic River," Garfield police said.
It took rescue boats and other equipment for firefighters from Garfield and Clifton to get onto Dundee Island where Molly was hiding. At about 6:38 p.m., Clifton Firefighter Paul Holzach located the poodle. Police say she was "cold, but unharmed." A short time later, with the help of Clifton Animal Control, Molly was returned to the Garfield side of the river and was reunited with her relieved and grateful owner.
Clifton Animal Control Officer Melissa Payne, who assisted with the effort, said the dog's bright pink coloring helped rescuers to see Molly in the murky water of the Passaic River. She also commended the teamwork that went into the effort.
"The teamwork between the Garfield and Clifton Fire Departments, along with the quick response from Garfield Police, was incredible and ultimately saved the dog," Garfield police said. "We are grateful to the good Samaritan who called in the lost dog and to all the first responders involved in ensuring Molly was safely brought back to her family."
