West Chester Police FB Post Instigates #FoundDog Humor

WEST CHESTER, PA - A West Chester Borough police officer tried to help a disheveled dog find its way home, and the community following on Facebook responded with helpful tips and humor.

The police set the tone by saying, "The little dude (the doggy, not Cpl. Gallo) was found playing on Delacy Soccer Fields this afternoon! Please share to help to find the owner!"

The posted photo of Cpl. Jeff Gallo holding the small dog got 222 shares, with entertaining remarks and lots of reactions late Thursday and into Friday.

Apparently the pup is a habitual wanderer, because one neighbor said, "I found him once, too. He lives in one of those houses directly behind the fields on River Bend."

Neighbors offered solutions. "Did you post on Nextdoor? Best place for finding lost owners!" A pitch here for Patch's Neighbor Posts: It's a good place for finding lost dogs, too (smile emoji).

Finally someone made an ID: "That is (name withheld)'s dog, Chloe, I can give you her number, private message me. She lives down River Bend Lane. The house up on stilts."

Someone else confirmed, "This is (unnamed person's) dog." The dog was clearly known in the neighborhood.

People expressed admiration and thanks to the officer.

"A dog will only come to a good person."

"Thanks for helping the little, scruffy dude!"

"Job well done."

"I admire the police departments that take the time to help the K9 citizens of their towns. Not all do. Thank you!"

"Be safe guys," and "Good job."

And some, perhaps, expressed too much admiration. "Those two look pretty cute together... if you get my drift..." wrote one female admirer. This was met with mild rebuke from someone who suggested one should make sure an officer is single before saying he's cute on Facebook.

And there was other scolding. "I think the owners need a lesson in dog ownership — buy a dog license first of all, and second not obeying the leash laws. I think the pooch needs a better, more responsible owner," one neighbor wrote.

The winning commentary on the pup-and-police photo asked, "Is it just me or does that dog look like an old martial arts master who is willing to teach you, but only if you paint his fence?"

At publication time, police did not verify if #FoundDog had been returned to its owner.