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I deliver packages during the winter. One Friday, I passed this soaking wet little puppy beside the river that one of my roads follows. I knew I could get fired if I picked it up, despite it being winter, and I just prayed that he'd be safe.

PUPPY. PHOTO: PIXABAY / LAURENLIEBHABER

After my packages were delivered and I was headed home, I couldn't rest without knowing that that pup had been picked up. My heart sank when I saw him in the same exact spot, dried but still shivering, four hours later. I scooped him up and made the decision to keep him until Monday, when I'd drop him off at the pound.

I didn't even get home before that plan changed. I checked for microchips, called pounds and vets, let them know I found this little black lab puppy, posted signs, and even asked around at work. One person said, "Oh, that's very common for that river. People just throw puppies over the bridge and drive away." I was horrified.

Two years later, and he is the best dog I've ever had. I don't know who decided to throw a 6-week-old pure-bred black lab puppy over a bridge into freezing water just before Christmas, but I want to thank you, because you threw away a GREAT dog, and gave me my best friend, partner, companion, and now service dog.

PHOTO: TARA FROM COLUMBUS, OH

Story submitted by Tara from Columbus, Ohio.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!