A miniature poodle who was thrown off the edge of a Manhattan park by his psychotic owner has been reunited with the heroic NYPD officers who saved his life this week, authorities said Friday.
Rocket, a 1-year-old dog, has made a full recovery from the severe injuries he allegedly suffered at the hands of his former owner on May 16 at Highbridge Park in Washington Heights, and there is now a family ready to adopt him, an ASPCA spokesperson said.
The group released an emotional video showing Lockett being greeted by the three NYPD officers who saved his life, including Officer Kelsey Garcia, who was seen crying on NYPD body camera footage just two months earlier, thinking Lockett would not survive.
“He needs to go to the doctor,” an emotional Garcia said in May as she held Rocket, after another officer asked her if she thought the dog would survive.
“He’s breathing, but he’s choking.”
Officers rushed Rocket to the ASPCA Animal Hospital, where he began a two-month recovery.
According to the ASPCA, Rocket was bleeding from the mouth at the time, had unstable blood pressure and heart rate and showed signs of traumatic brain injury.
He was transported to Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, the ASPCA’s veterinary partner, due to his severe injuries.
Rocket was then returned to the ASPCA, where he underwent surgery for a fractured femur followed by several weeks of physical therapy.
Rocket was visibly more energetic this week, and was seen on video running around, playing ball and snuggling with police officers and ASPCA staff.
“Seeing him running, playing and snuggling with his owner symbolizes the important life-saving work the ASPCA has done over the past decade in collaboration with the NYPD, AMC and other veterinary partners, giving a second chance to thousands of animal victims of suspected abuse,” Chris Lindsay, deputy director of the ASPCA’s Animal Recovery Center, said in a statement.
“The past few months have been traumatic for Rocket, but we are so thrilled that this young four-legged warrior has made a full recovery, has the opportunity to be reunited with his courageous rescuers, and will soon be placed in a loving forever home,” added Helen M. Irving, president and CEO of Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.
According to the ASPCA, Rocket’s new owner plans to pick him up next week.
Police announced in May that the dog’s former owner, 26-year-old Cleopatra Morgan, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, torture, injury and withholding of food, unlawful possession of a weapon and impersonation.
She was released on bail pending arraignment, online records show.
