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Train-Chasing Dog to Be Adopted by Rescuer Unless Owner Turns Up

By Gustavo Solis | April 9, 2014 12:56pm
  The owners of a dog that chased the Metro-North train for more than a mile before being rescued by MTA police officers have until Friday afternoon to claim the pooch.
'Tie' the train-loving dog
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EAST HARLEM — The city's animal rescue agency is searching for the owners of "Tie," the collie shepherd mix who tried to outrun a Metro-North train Monday — saying they have until Friday to claim the pooch before she goes to a new home.

One of the MTA officers who rescued the tricolored pup, who is believed to be approximately 3 years old, has already claimed dibs — saying his daughters are eager to meet the speedy four-legged star.

“If the owner doesn’t claim the dog hopefully I’ll be on the list to adopt her,” said MTA officer Luis Alvarez, who rescued the dog with his partner Errold Borges. “I have three girls, they are all texting me to get the dog.”

An engineer of a southbound Metro-North train spotted the dog near a train yard in Mott Haven, Bronx about 10:40 a.m. Monday.

Tie — named after a railroad tie — chased the train from the Bronx all the way to Manhattan, eventually running in front of it as it arrived to the 125th Street station in East Harlem,

“Yesterday there was a Yankee game so there were at least 100 people clapping and cheering (on the opposite platform),” said Alvarez. “They must have been animal lovers like myself.”

Tie began to wag her tail when the officers whistled at her. They took her to Animal Care and Control where she underwent medical evaluation.

She did not have a tag, license or microchip so the animal shelter has not been able to identify an owner. But they are almost certain the dog has one, shelter officials said.

“She looks very well cared for and very well feed,” said Risa Weinstock of Animal Care and Control, which is currently caring for the dog. “She did a lot of tricks and knows a lot of commands, that’s not something you learn on the street.”

Tie is a friendly dog that knows how to jump, sit, and bark on command. She is very eager to please, especially for a treat, a trainer from the shelter said.

The owner has until Friday afternoon to claim her before she is put up for adoption, ACC officials said.

The owners should bring proof that "Tie" is theirs — including pictures of the dog or medical records, ACC officals said.