• NYPD Officer Saves dog rescued from East River, giving her a second chance at life with his loving family.
• The officer’s children were surprised and thrilled to welcome the brave pup into their home after NYPD Officer Saves her from peril.
• The family’s older dog quickly accepted the new pet, and now both dogs enjoy a safe, caring environment where NYPD Officer Saves her story unfolds.

Hudson, a 2-year-old Maltese mix, had a rough start in April. She struggled to stay afloat in the freezing waters of the East River. NYPD Officer Jared DeSalvo spotted her near Pier 15 at the South Street Seaport. He acted fast and NYPD Officer Saves her by pulling her out of danger. The dog looked weak, wet, and scared. But despite her small size, she held her own in the rough water. DeSalvo said the rescue touched him deeply. He called it a special moment and wanted to check on her again. Just a few weeks later, he brought her home.

Officer Visits Hudson and Makes a Big Decision

Right after the rescue, DeSalvo visited Hudson at the Irving and Phyllis Millstein Foundation for Animal Welfare Adoption Center in Queens. He wanted to make sure she was doing okay. After his first visit, he felt a connection. He came back a second time. That visit sealed the deal. DeSalvo realized Hudson belonged with him and his family. He didn’t make the decision alone. His wife, Nicole, also fell in love with the dog. The whole family knew they wanted her. But they waited, just in case her original owner came forward.

A Surprise That Brought Big Smiles

DeSalvo and Nicole came up with a fun plan. They told their kids, Salvatore and Stella, that they were heading to a communion party. But instead of a party, they picked up Hudson. The surprise worked perfectly. Stella started jumping with excitement. Salvatore smiled wide. Both kids hugged the little dog and took turns holding her. They already knew about the rescue. Since that day, they had asked about Hudson every single day. They wanted her safe. They hoped she would come home. Now, their dream had come true.

Nicole Knew Right Away Hudson Belonged

When DeSalvo first sent Nicole a photo of Hudson on the rescue boat, her heart melted. The dog looked tiny, cold, and wrapped in a towel. Nicole remembered texting him right away. “Bring my baby home to me,” she said. That simple message showed how much she cared. She didn’t need to meet the dog in person to feel the bond. When they finally adopted Hudson, Nicole said it felt like everything fell into place. Hudson wasn’t just another rescue. She had already become part of their family story.

Hudson Joins a Pet-Friendly Home

Hudson isn’t the only dog in the DeSalvo household. They already have a 15-year-old terrier named Bocce. The family knows how to care for dogs. Bocce loves company and gets along well with other pets. DeSalvo feels confident that Bocce and Hudson will become best friends. The kids made Hudson feel welcome right away. They ordered her a soft dog bed, tasty treats, and a pile of chew toys and got her a GPS tracker collar to keep her safe. This family doesn’t just love dogs—they protect them.

Teaching Kindness and Responsibility Through Rescue

DeSalvo believes this adoption sets a strong example. He said rescuing Hudson teaches his kids about compassion. Officer wants them to know it’s important to care for animals in need. He didn’t just rescue Hudson because he had to. He rescued her because he cared. Later, he adopted her because he knew she deserved love and safety. The whole family supported the decision. Hudson now has everything she needs—food, shelter, care, and lots of love. DeSalvo said, “She’s going to be very well taken care of.”

A New Life Full of Love and Safety

Hudson’s journey started with fear and danger in the East River. But her story didn’t end there. She got a second chance thanks to a quick-thinking officer and a loving family. Now she plays with new toys, sleeps in a comfy bed, and runs around with her new dog friend. She doesn’t have to worry about the cold or being alone ever again. Hudson went from a near-tragedy to a true success story. And the DeSalvos gained a sweet, brave new family member with the help of NYPD Officer Saves the day.