A State Police officer finds a dog with a broken pelvis in a ditch off I-75 and gives it water, shelter and eventually a new home.

Kaye Fiorello was traveling on a Tennessee highway on a hot day when she noticed a highway patrol officer pulled over to the side. At the time, she didn’t think much about it, but it turned out to be a very wise decision.

Before continuing on his way, Fiorello decided to take a closer look.

Fiorello told The Dodo that “a few miles ahead, the head of a small dog was poking out of the side of the road.” He gave the impression that he had been there for some time.

Fiorello knew exactly who to turn to for help for the abandoned dog.

Fiorello turned his car around and headed back the way he had come, remembering the police officers he had seen. She approached him and told him about the dog, not realizing that this chance encounter with the police would change their lives forever.

“He asked where he was and ran after her,” Fiorello explained. “I followed him, pointing out the area.”

When they arrived, they noticed that the dog seemed injured and scared. At first, she was wary of the officer’s approach, but he offered her water and food in an attempt to gain her trust. But she didn’t stop there.

She sat next to the dog after calling animal control for help, holding an umbrella to protect her from the scorching sun.

Fiorello was deeply moved by her dedication to the dog.

“He told me, ‘I’m going to stay right here until he trusts me,’” Fiorello said, adding that the dog sensed the officer’s kind nature. “She seemed to sigh with satisfaction.” And those tender eyes, it was like it was a radical change. A contact was established. It was really moving. She “was crying tears of joy for that dog.”

And it turns out that this relationship would not be temporary.

Fiorello had to continue on his way before help arrived, but later learned that the dog had been safely rescued and was being treated by a veterinarian. She had a broken hip, but she wouldn’t have to deal with it alone.

For that part, the officer would also be next to her.

A week after being found on the side of the road, injured and abandoned, the dog found a home. The officer made the decision to keep her permanently.

“Adopted! She finally has it today,” Fiorello explained. “Her name is Princess, and she will be home in a couple of weeks, maybe two, after her visit to the vet.”

Princess’ happy ending couldn’t have been more perfect for Fiorello, whose drive to seek help for the injured dog completely changed the dog’s life.

“I felt like it was meant to be,” she explained.