MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — A Murfreesboro police officer is being recognized for an act of compassion that turned a routine animal call into a powerful reminder of empathy in public service.

On the morning of September 30, Officer Samuel Lopez responded to a call about a loose animal. What he found was heartbreaking: a frightened, injured dog lying alone on the side of the road.

Rather than simply waiting for animal control, Officer Lopez stayed with the animal — for nearly two hours. According to the City of Murfreesboro, he gently spoon-fed the dog using his own lunch and gave it water from his thermal bottle.

“Instead of just calling animal control and moving on, Officer Lopez stayed,” the city wrote in a social media post. “He spoon-fed the pup his own lunch and gave him water from his thermal bottle.”

The city also shared that Lopez and his wife, who are unable to have children, share a deep love for dogs. “To him, they’re more than pets. They’re family,” the post continued.

The dog has since received veterinary care through the Rutherford County PAWS organization, which is also attempting to locate the pet's owner.

🐾 A Moment Caught on Camera

Watch the City of Murfreesboro’s video of Officer Lopez’s touching moment below: