Service Puppy Doggy Paddles Across Hudson River To New Jersey

EDGEWATER, NJ — A beloved New York City service puppy who broke free from its owners was rescued in New Jersey Tuesday night after an epic doggy paddle across the Hudson River, according to officials.

Police found the Leonberger puppy just after midnight when someone reported barking underneath an Independence Harbor pier, Edgewater police Chief Donald Martin said.

The frightened pup fled from its rescuers — who'd donned wet suits fire Chief Joseph Chevalier said might have scared it — but was ultimately caught and pulled into a rescue boat, the chief said.

The sodden dog was dried with a sweatshirt, laid on a blanket and fed treats, Chevalier said.

A local animal hospital then tracked the dog's microchip from a Montana breeder to owners in New York City, officials said.

Owner Ellen Wolpin told the New York Post she'd been walking Bear on the Upper West Side Saturday when he made a dash for it.

Bear, a seizure-service dog for Wolpin’s 20-year-old son Zack, ran about 30 blocks to 110th Street where he jumped in the river and started to swim, the Post reports.

“We didn’t think that he made it across," Wolpin told the Post. "He did like a full triathlon almost."

Upon being reunited with his family, Bear reportedly became the recipient of multiple treats and hugs.

“We were so happy,” Wolpin told the Post. “But the first thing we did was give him a bath.”