Driver arrested while rushing beloved dog to animal hospital

Some people say they would do anything to protect their pets, but a Holliston, Massachusetts, man kept his promise to his dog – even if it meant getting arrested.

Peter Rogaishio's Thursday started like any other, until his family's beloved Doberman, Thor, was run over by two vehicles.

"I heard a big bang and then a few seconds later I heard a howl that just made the hair on the back of my neck stand up," said Rogaishio. "He was lying on the street, so I dragged him off to the side of the street and called 911."

Holliston police tried to find a way to get Thor to an animal hospital, but the dog was still bleeding on the side of the road half an hour later.

In a desperate attempt to save his pup's life, Rogaishio put Thor in the back seat of his car and rushed to the vet, even if that meant illegally passing other vehicles and speeding.

"I wasn't even thinking, I was just trying to get through the traffic safely," Rogaishio said.

However, it didn't take long before a Natick police officer spotted Rogaishio's aggressive driving on West Central Street and chased him for more than a mile.

Natick police then set up a roadblock on Hartford Street, making it clear they were on to Rogaishio.

With their guns drawn, police handcuffed Rogaishio and were ready to send him to jail when they saw Thor in the car.

"They finally looked in the truck and saw the dog. They jumped in and took the dog and then took me to jail," said Rogaishio.

The good news, however, is that Thor, despite his three broken legs, is expected to survive.

Rogaishio also has been released from jail.

He tells WFXT that, despite the craziness of it all, he did what he had to do.

"He's such a good dog, a loving dog. I would do anything to save him," said Rogaishio. "We got him at two months old and that's all we have. He's just a delight. He's a joy to my heart. He's my everything."

A neighbor and friend of the Rogaishios has set up a GoFundMe page to help with the animal hospital charges which you can help by clicking here.

Cox Media Group