Pit bull left tied to fence in freezing weather adopted by police officer

Romeo, a 1-and-a-half-year-old pit bull had a few rough weeks, but thanks to two police officers and animal shelter staff members, he's about to settle comfortably into a new home.

"We are very happy to announce that the pit bull that was tied to the fence and left out in the cold was adopted today and is currently relaxing in his forever home," Patrolman Brian Conover of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department said in a press release Wednesday.

The dog, who was rescued after being left in the cold, was adopted by Morris Plains Police Officer N. Grawehr, who is friends with Patrol Officer J. Williams - the officer who rescued the dog.

"Grawehr took his canine friend home late this afternoon," Conover said.

The medium-sized pit bull was found by Williams on Jan. 19 as the patrolman was conducting a routine property check of the area surrounding the Parsippany Animal Control Shelter. As he scanned the perimeter, he noticed the pit bull tied to a fence with a red leash. Someone had left a dog toy, a bag of food and two bowls.

Williams took the dog into his police vehicle and kept him warm until animal control officers arrived at the shelter. Over the past two weeks, animal control officers and volunteers grew fond of the dog, affectionally naming him Romeo because of his “sweet nature.”

“This dog just loves everyone. He is good with dogs and children, just needs some work on his manners such as walking well on a leash and not jumping up. He is active but not crazy, and is very gentle,” police said in a press release on their Facebook Page.

Police say a second pit bull that was properly surrendered to Parsippany Animal Control and Shelter, is still waiting its "forever" home. Anyone interested in submitting an application to the dog can visit the shelter, located at 1069 Parsippany Blvd. They’re open from Monday to Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to noon. The shelter can also be reached at 973-263-7083.

Reports of animals being left outdoors in the bitter cold have become more frequent this winter. The Associated Humane Societies Newark shelter reported that so far this winter, 26 dogs have been being brought in, including a dog that was left tied to a tree for 48 hours and tangled in its leash.

Toniann Antonelli is the digital managing editor for news at NJ 101.5. Reach her at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.