Lynnwood Officers Save Freezing Puppy Found in a Dumpster

Oscar is safe and warm thanks to Lynnwood Police. Learn about the rescue and how you can help officers find the person responsible.

by Admin

Dec 12, 2025

Small brown puppy resting in the hands of a Lynnwood Police officer after being rescued.

Police work is unpredictable. Officers start their shift knowing they might face danger, but they also get chances to show great kindness. A recent night in Lynnwood, Washington, reminded us of this when the Lynnwood Police Department responded to a call that was both heartbreaking and hopeful. It’s a perfect example of compassionate policing, stepping up to protect a life that couldn't protect itself.

A Cold Discovery

It started with a call from a concerned citizen. Someone reported seeing an animal inside a dumpster. Citizen reports like this are so important because they help police get to where they are needed most. Officers rushed to the scene to check it out. When they looked inside the bin, they found a tiny puppy.

The police described the situation clearly: the little guy was "cold, scared, and covered in debris." It’s hard to imagine, but this puppy was facing a really tough start, overcoming adversity before he was even fully grown. The officers knew immediately that dumpsters are for trash, not puppies. They wasted no time pulling him out of the filth and making sure he was safe.

Safe and Warm with LPD

Once they got him out, the officers didn't just drop him off and leave. The police empathy in the photos they shared is real. They nicknamed him Oscar. In the picture, you can see a smiling officer holding Oscar close, keeping him warm. It’s a sweet moment of positive police interactions that shows the human side of the badge.

The best part is what happened next. Oscar didn't go to a cold cage. The department shared that he is "safe, warm, and being fostered by members of LPD." This act of service with integrity shows how much these officers care. By fostering him while he settles in, they are making sure he gets the love he needs right away. It’s a great boost for police morale to see the team come together for a little guy like Oscar.

What Happens Next

Oscar is doing well, but the police have a job to do. They have opened an investigation (Case 25-39863) to find out who did this. Abandoning an animal is illegal, and animal cruelty investigations like this are taken seriously. The department is asking anyone with information to please contact them.

You can call the Lynnwood Police at 425-670-5600 or submit a tip by visiting the department's website.

They also had a small request for the public regarding the misuse of 911. Everyone loves Oscar, but please don't call 911 to ask how he is doing! Those lines need to stay open for emergencies.

A Final Thought

Oscar’s story is a powerful example of humanizing the badge. When officers take the time to save and foster a helpless animal, they show honor and courage in a way that touches everyone.

For more heartwarming tales and positive law enforcement news, visit our stories page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does the misuse of 911 impact police response?

The misuse of 911 for non-emergencies, like asking about a news story or a lost pet that isn't in danger, ties up phone lines. This can delay dispatchers from sending help to real emergencies like accidents or crimes in progress. Police always encourage using the non-emergency number for general questions to keep 911 open for life-saving calls.

2. What should I do if I find an abandoned animal?

If you find an abandoned animal, start by assessing the situation. If the animal is hurt or in a dangerous spot, call animal control or the police non-emergency line. Citizen reports save lives. Try to stay nearby until help comes, as this helps with evidence preservation if the police need to investigate a crime.

3. How do police handle animal cruelty investigations?

Animal cruelty investigations are serious. Officers look for evidence and witnesses to find out who is responsible. They often work with experts in veterinary forensics to understand what happened to the animal. Enforcing these laws is part of the ethical treatment of animals that communities expect from law enforcement.

4. What is the benefit of fostering animals?

Fostering allows an animal to live in a home environment instead of a shelter cage. This is huge for rescue police dogs in training or scared pets recovering from trauma. It helps them start overcoming adversity in a quiet, loving space, which makes them much happier and healthier while they wait for a permanent family.