A small Yorkshire terrier, scared off by a car, ran for cover inside a tunnel and got stuck. Too terrified to move, the dog’s rescue came in the form of a compassionate police officer.

Officer Joe Brazil never hesitates when it comes to helping those in need, and this includes dogs in distress. On May 2, 2016, a story shared on Facebook by Peggy Edwards about Officer Brazil’s act of kindness quickly went viral. It was a tale that warmed the hearts of everyone who came across it.

The story began when a timid Yorkshire terrier was frightened by a passing car and sought refuge in a nearby tunnel.

Peggy narrated on Facebook, “On April 30th, a small dog was running free and got scared by a passing car. It ran into a tunnel through which a nearby stream passed. She was stuck about 20-25 ft. in, clinging to the side.”

Wanting to help the dog but fearing she might drive it deeper into the tunnel, Peggy reached out to the Woonsocket Police for assistance. A few minutes later, Officer Joe Brazil arrived, ready to lend a hand.

Peggy explained the situation and without hesitation, Officer Brazil braved the tunnel. “He went in without hesitation and came out with a very wet, scared little dog. We are very grateful he was able to save the little girl,” Peggy shared. Officer Brazil took off his shoes and socks, daring the murky tunnel to rescue the little dog.

In an interview with WJAR NBC10, Officer Brazil described the rescue. “(The dog was) very, very frightened,” he said. Taking extra care not to scare the little dog deeper into the tunnel, he reached out and let the dog, named CeCe, smell his hand. When CeCe calmed down, he gently picked her up.

“It just seemed like she was almost saying thank you. Like she knew I was there to help,” Brazil shared in his interview.

As it turned out, CeCe was not a stray dog after all. She had a loving family, and her owner, Michelle Perez, was relieved to have her pet found and returned safe.

“She’s only 5 months old. I wasn’t able to sleep. All I kept doing was just driving around, calling her,” Perez shared in her interview.

Thanks to the heroic efforts of Peggy Edwards and Officer Joe Brazil, CeCe was rescued from the terrifying tunnel and safely reunited with her owner. This heartwarming story serves as

a testament to the kindness of strangers and the dedication of our law enforcement officers.

Please watch the full story in the video below and share this inspiring tale with your friends and family.