Dog Rescued from New Jersey Waters by State Troopers

A small dog, described as a “fierce little demon,” was saved by a New Jersey state trooper after being found struggling in the waters of Arthur Kill on Friday morning. The distressed pup was floating near debris when Trooper Michael Buchell and his partner Shane McLafferty noticed unusual movements beneath the surface while responding to a call from the Elizabeth State Police.

In a rescue video shared online, the dog appeared to be a scruffy rat terrier mix, visibly agitated while entangled in what looked like discarded furniture. The troopers affectionately named the lively, one-year-old dog Oscar, a nod to the grouchy character from Sesame Street.

“Look at that little guy,” Buchell said gently in the video. “What happened to you?” Despite his attempts to coax Oscar closer, the dog resisted, snapping and barking in what could only be described as a defensive display.

As Oscar struggled, an onlooker from a nearby pier exclaimed, “He’s trying to save you!” This encouragement prompted the crowd to clap, with Buchell urging them to cheer louder to help guide Oscar back to safety.

McLafferty and Buchell carefully navigated the rocky terrain to reach the dog. “Come here, I’m here to help you,” Buchell reassured, though Oscar remained wary, baring his teeth in a show of reluctance.

Frustration grew as Buchell maneuvered around jagged rocks and weathered wood to reach Oscar. “It’s okay, it’s okay, you’re a fierce little devil,” he continued to reassure the scared pup.

Eventually, Buchell removed his emergency vest and approached Oscar slowly, finally managing to grab him gently. After a few tense moments, they safely lifted Oscar onto their boat, wrapping him in rescue blankets.

Showing signs of exhaustion and early hypothermia, Oscar was taken to the Carteret station, where the troopers worked to warm and dry him off. Buchell has committed to looking after Oscar until they can locate his owner or find him a new home.