Deputy adopts runaway dog he found in February snowstorm

SNOHOMISH, Wash. — A Snohomish County sheriff’s deputy has adopted a runaway dog he helped rescue.

After finishing up patrol in Index in February, Deputy Doersch returned to Gold Bar and noticed an “emaciated and mangy” German shepherd running through the woods next to the road.

Officials said it was clear the dog was starving and suffering from severe health issues.

Doersch said he tried to call the dog to get it to come but had no luck.

Truck drivers stopped to help and told Doersch they had seen the dog recently but weren’t sure where it came from.

Using a sandwich given to him by a driver, Doersch was able to lure the dog into his patrol car and drove it to Pilchuck Animal Hospital in Snohomish for treatment.

The dog was later transported to the Everett Animal Shelter.

"His family was happy to be reunited after he had run away 5 months earlier but ultimately they made the tough decision that they could not take on the extensive treatment plan and vet bills it would require to get him back to full health," a spokesperson for the Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook Wednesday.

Officials said Doersch adopted the dog, named Wiley, without hesitation.

“It has been a long road to recovery, but he has returned to full health and even made a special visit to our East Precinct to say ‘hi,’” deputies said.

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