Coming back from almost complete defeat is what makes comeback stories so memorable.
Being on the brink of no return, it touches our hearts knowing there was no quit or giving up to be done. Instead, it’s never about how hard you take the fall, but rather how much harder and faster you can get back up.
That was the case for one homeless pup who managed to make it all the way to the Owego Police Department.
While most K-9’s are bred to join the force, the story of Maggie is quite unlike others you’ve heard before.
“She was set up to go with someone who had a paid kennel and she was at that kennel for a little,” Andrew Pike, an Owego police officer stated. “Her owner never picked her up, so she got sent back to the shelter.”
Unfortunately, lightning struck twice for Maggie and the family who adopted her left her behind for the second time.
Noticing the potential in the Pitbull-Belgian Malinois mix, the Southern Tier Canine Association decided to give Maggie a shot at redemption.
Maggie, using her wits and intelligence, managed to easily pass her narcotics and tracking tests.
She went from a twice abandoned stray, to a strong and qualified K-9 ready to serve justice if the opportunity fell to her.
Luckily enough, the Canine Association that took her in then donated Maggie to the Owego Police Department, along with $6000 in equipment for her daily routines.
It was then that Maggie met her lifelong partner in crime, Officer Pike.
“High drive, a lot of energy, very sweet she’s a good combination,” officer Pike said
The two bonded almost immediately.
Officer Pike has a dedicated social media account where he has posted several pictures with his new best friend. The duo seem absolutely inseparable ever since they joined forces on that fateful day.
Here we see Maggie exuberant as ever! She’s forgotten about her homeless trauma and has quickly adapted to her new family in law enforcement.
Her caretakers are just as excited to have her around to help out with the protection of civilians.
This cute shirt puts it all into perspective in terms of Maggie’s journey. To overcome being abandoned twice and not have a home is really tough on some dog’s mental and physical state.
Maggie proved she was different and earned her place amongst the K-9 unit.
This is the face of a pup who knows that she’s home.
Maggie has clearly adjusted to her surroundings and showed incredible potential while staying disciplined in her role. Good job girl! You’ve definitely earned this time for rest!
The beautiful artwork is a testament to the inspiration that Maggie has been in the community.
She’s uplifted a local artist to pay tribute to the wonderful opportunity Maggie has earned while being taken into police service.
It’s all about the bond these two have while working the job.
No matter where he goes, Maggie is always sure to be not too far behind.
“She’s almost connected at my hip. I went out to the garage the other day from the house and my family said she was standing at the glass door the whole time watching, waiting, waiting for me to come back.” Said officer Pike.
Never count out someone or something just because they’re not on the playing field. For Maggie, it took a while before she finally got the respect and love she needed, but at least it came when everything started to fall into place.
Make sure to watch her inspirational story here.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
