San Antonio cops arrested a homeless man — only to watch his helpless canine block the police car

Pets get attached and need consistency and bonding with their owners. If you had to get up and leave one day, without any explanation, your pet would yearn for you. An unidentified homeless man was taken into custody by the San Antonio Police Department on February 16, according to a post shared by Emily Casso. As an animal advocate who happened to be getting gas, Casso spotted the officers take the man into the vehicle, leaving his pet dog alone. The arrest occurred between South New Braunfels Avenue and East Southcross Boulevard, near the McCreless Corner Shopping Center, according to the San Antonio Express-News. The persistent little dog's actions after feeling confusedly abandoned have the internet in bittersweet worry. However, we're happy to report that hope did in fact come through.

Casso watched the police drive away, leaving the dog, Rusty, on his own in the middle of the streets. The persistent pet ran, trying to catch up to the vehicle, but in vain. The video captured how he tried to block the police car so his beloved owner wouldn’t be snatched from him. As per protocol, the officers were supposed to inform Animal Control Services before leaving with the man. “I attempted to call him over and catch him, but he was too focused on following the only person he knew as they were taken away,” Casso wrote in her caption. The canine only saw his world being snatched from him and didn’t realize he was exposed to so many dangers in the middle of a busy road. 

The advocate raised the issue with concerned authorities, and the police department stated in a post: “SAPD has procedures specific to animal care when their owner is taken into custody, and we take these responsibilities seriously." It was further added that an investigation was being launched to check whether the officers had failed to follow protocol and were really being careless, or whether there was another issue at hand. However, through all of it, Casso refused to give up on the dog. Even though she lost him while trying to get him to safety, she reached out to her internet network in hopes of locating Rusty. 

Casso's effort paid off, and in an update, she revealed that the dog was found safe. Along with other friends, a woman named Cecilia Chavez shared the information on her podcast and asked people to be on the lookout. After receiving a tip, she located the canine and informed Casso. The podcaster noted that Rusty was a sweetheart, not aggressive, and just confused after being separated from his owner. “He was exhausted; he just wanted to sleep and decompress,” she added. She got him neutered and also ensured he received a checkup from the vet. 

“As soon as I got home, Cecilia called me to say she found him! The excitement was unmatched! It was a huge relief to see him safe with her,” she wrote. Rusty will be in foster care until there is more clarity on who can be deemed fit to be his owner. In the meantime, Casso and the internet are pitching in to make his stay as comfortable as possible. According to the ASPCA, 5.8 million cats and dogs have entered animal shelters in 2024. This is due to different reasons, like stray animals being found, owners surrendering their pets, and more. However, when pets are left with no explanation or just abandoned, the lack of connection and separation causes a serious impact. 

According to the Good Dog People, when pets are left to fend for themselves, it causes physical and mental impacts. Apart from being exposed to danger, injury, and other issues, pets also go through psychological trauma. The separation causes a feeling of grief that can affect their well-being. Rusty was lucky to have someone looking out for him. People acknowledged Casso’s thoughtfulness and hoped that human beings could extend some kindness towards animals who know only love. Nancy Wiggins wrote, “Way to be proactive and get this dog to safety.” Tracy Earnshaw added, “This made my day seeing this.” 

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