Doberman found with zip-tied snout adopted by rescuing officer

An Indiana dog discovered abandoned with a zip-tie synched around his snout has found a new home — with the police officer who rescued him.

Zeus, a large black and brown Doberman, was discovered running loose and alone by concerned residents in South Bend on Friday with the tightly bound plastic tie preventing him from opening his mouth.

When Samaritans were unable to catch the dog, they called the South Bend Police Department for help.

Officer Stephanie Northcutt arrived and managed to corral the scared dog, then dropped into a crouch and approached him with her hand held out.

“You’re so pretty, do you trust me?” she was heard telling the dog in a video from the rescue released by police.

After a few nervous glances, Zeus finally leaned in to sniff Northcutt’s hand, allowing her to grab hold of his leash.

Others on hand then approached with clippers and snipped off the tie, much to Zeus’ apparent relief.

Footage from later showed the dog with a distinct ligature mark around his snout, but affectionately nuzzling Northcutt and allowing her to pet him before being loaded up into a car for transport to the South Bend Animal Rescue.

“We’re friends? Friends? You’re okay. you’re so pretty,” Northcutt said.

On Monday, the police department shared the news that the officer had decided to adopt the dog.

“Officer Northcutt said she knew the moment she laid eyes on the pup that he was the perfect addition to her family,” police said in a Facebook post.

“The dog, now named Zeus, spent some time bonding with the Northcutt’s other dogs before Officer Northcutt made it official.”

Despite the condition he was found in, police said Zeus is not expected to have any lasting physical harm from the tie.

Zeus wasn’t even the first pooch Officer Northcutt adopted after a call — she’s previously welcomed another dog she rescued from an abusive situation while on duty.

“She joked that the dispatchers at St. Joseph County 9-1-1 should stop sending her to animal calls because she will soon run out of room at her house,” South Bend Police said.

It remains unclear what circumstances led to Zeus’ dangerous situation, but police said they are continuing to investigate.