VIDEO: Stray Doberman Seen Muzzled With Zip Tie, Loose in Neighborhood—Then Officer Does This

Courtesy of South Bend Police Department

Zeus the dog was dealt some tough cards in life. The once homeless canine would, however, end up with literally a full house.

On the south side of South Bend, Indiana, in early February, a bystander saw a dog on the loose—it was a Doberman pinscher with a leash but without an owner in sight and, alarmingly, with a zip tie muzzling its snout shut.

A call came into the South Bend Police Department (SBPD) about a dog running around in the Chippewa Bowl area, also mentioning the distressing zip tie. Officer Stephanie Northcutt was among the officers who responded, arriving on the scene shortly before 10:45 a.m.

Several good Samaritans had already tried to catch the dog prior to the officers’ arrival but with no luck, the Department stated. This wasn’t Officer Northcutt’s first stray dog rescue rodeo, though, and she was quickly able to build up enough trust with the Doberman by using a sweet-sounding voice to get near it.

Officer Northcutt approaches Zeus with a tender voice. Courtesy of South Bend Police Department

She offered a knuckle for the abandoned animal to sniff out and inspect before it finally allowed itself to be caught by the officers.

Video capturing the moment of the dog’s rescue was recorded by Officer Northcutt’s body camera, in which it is seen being tenderly coaxed to safety and brought out of harm’s way.

It was actually a he. And the dog, now named Zeus, was taken to staff of the South Bend Animal Resource Center (SBARC), who said he likely wouldn’t suffer any long-term physical impacts from his maltreatment.

Footage from Officer Northcutt's body camera showing Zeus's rescue. Courtesy of South Bend Police Department

Zeus may have been dealt some harsh cards up until then, but his luck would soon change, and for the better, thanks to the kindness of a certain police officer with a soft spot for needy, homeless canines. Officer Northcutt said she knew from the moment she laid eyes on Zeus that he was the perfect addition to her family, the SBPD stated.

And so, after Zeus spent a short stint bonding with the other dogs at the SBARC, it was made official, and the officer finally adopted the Doberman.

The officer and her newly adopted dog. Courtesy of South Bend Police Department

Zeus actually isn’t the first needy canine the officer has taken under her wing. While radioing dispatch, she apparently joked that they should stop sending her to animal calls because soon she will run out of room in her house.

Now, as Zeus settles in with his new family in his forever home, Officer Northcutt has recently offered another gesture of compassion for animals in need.

Footage from Officer Northcutt’s body camera showing Zeus’s rescue. (Courtesy of South Bend Police Department)

Officer Northcutt and Zeus. Courtesy of South Bend Police Department

“Officer Northcutt is planning to sponsor two adoptions at SBARC after seeing how deeply this story affected our community,” the Department stated, adding that investigations into the circumstances surrounding Zeus and his being zip-tied continue.

“In the meantime,” they said, “happy trails Zeus, enjoy your new home!”

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