A touching story emerged from Detroit when Officer Eric McCombs of the Police Department rescued a stranded Pit Bull left out in the freezing cold on a porch. Without hesitation, he stepped in to save the helpless dog, turning a moment of distress into one of compassion and hope.
It’s truly heartbreaking to imagine anyone leaving a helpless dog to endure the freezing cold—a sad reality all too common in Detroit.
Thankfully, compassionate individuals like Officer McCombs continue to bring hope, turning moments of neglect into stories of rescue and kindness.
Stranded Pit Bull In -20° Windchill
Source: Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue
While on patrol in the middle of the night, Officer McCombs spotted a helpless dog trapped in the freezing cold, her chain tangled on a porch.
A devoted dog lover, he didn’t hesitate for a second—stepping in immediately to rescue the shivering pup from her dire situation.
“When I went up to her, I was like, ‘This can’t be.’ I didn’t even think—I just knew, ‘I need to rescue this dog,’” Officer McCombs told The Dodo.
That night in Detroit, the windchill had plummeted to a brutal -20 degrees—far too dangerous for any animal to endure.
“I was angry because it was intentional. Who could do this? Someone made the decision to chain this poor dog to a porch and leave her there, completely malnourished,” McCombs said, his frustration evident.
Source: Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue
The poor dog wasn’t just suffering from the freezing cold—she was also severely hungry. She eagerly devoured the treats offered to her, a heartbreaking sign of how desperately she needed food and warmth.
One glance at her frail body made it clear—she hadn’t eaten in a long time.
As they freed her from the porch, the dog was a mix of fear and relief—petrified yet overjoyed to finally be free. Without hesitation, she leaped into the police vehicle, as if she knew she was finally safe.
Source: Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue
“She had frostbite on the tips of her ears. My partner and I got her in the car, and then we were just like, ‘What do we do from here?’” McCombs recalled. “We ended up having to take her to an animal shelter.”
They brought the dog to Detroit Animal Care and Control, ensuring she would receive the care she desperately needed.
Yet, even after leaving her in safe hands, one of the officers couldn’t stop thinking about her.
Happy Beginnings
Source: Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue
During her time at the shelter, Officer McCombs couldn’t shake the thought that she deserved so much more than a confined kennel.
She deserved warmth, love, and a real home. But who would give her that?
It didn’t take long for him to realize the answer was right in front of him—he had already fallen in love with the sweet pup. And so, Officer McCombs made it official: he adopted her and gave her the name Sweet Pea, ensuring she would never be alone or unloved again.
Source: Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue
He reached out to Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue for help, and they later shared her story in a heartfelt Facebook post:
“One of the officers couldn’t stop thinking about her, so he reached out to us, and today we went and pulled her. We are going to be taking care of all of her medical needs, and then she will be adopted by her hero… DPD Officer McCombs!” Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue shared in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Though Eric already had one dog, Homer, he knew deep down that he couldn’t walk away from Sweet Pea.
“It was a special moment. Double the food, double the vet, double whatever. I had to,” McCombs said.
When she first arrived at her new home, Sweet Pea didn’t know how to be an indoor dog. She hesitated to jump on the couch or the bed, and even peanut butter—an irresistible treat for most dogs—was unfamiliar to her.
She just needed time. And that’s exactly what McCombs gave her.
Source: Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue
Soon, Sweet Pea began to embrace the joys of her new life, slowly learning what it meant to be safe, loved, and truly cared for.
Now, she’s thriving in her dream home, her days filled with warmth, belly rubs, and companionship. The harsh memories of the streets of Detroit have faded into the past—replaced by a future full of love and second chances.
Truly A Hero
Source: Eric McCombs
Sweet Pea isn’t the only dog Officer McCombs has rescued from the streets of Detroit.
In fact, wherever he goes, he steps in to save dogs in need, becoming a true beacon of hope for the neglected and abandoned.
“Why not rescue Pit Bulls and serve as a police officer simultaneously?” he asked—a question that speaks to his compassion and dedication. And honestly, why not? The world could use more heroes like him.
Thank you, Officer Eric McCombs, for your kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to saving these innocent furry souls. Your efforts have made a world of difference in their lives.
Detroit Pit Crew Dog Rescue shared their gratitude, saying:
“We are so proud to have Officer McCombs as a part of our team and thankful that he is an officer who goes above and beyond to help the voiceless animals that need a hero.”