A black-and-white pit bull is waiting for her owners to pick her up from an Essex County shelter after spending part of the weekend running through a busy stretch of the Garden State Parkway before being rescued by police.
The dog now referred to as PK, or “Parkway Dog,” caused major traffic delays Saturday evening while exploring the southbound side of the highway near exit 144 in Irvington.
PK wasn’t injured during her travels, and police aren’t sure how she ended up on the busy roadway.
The floppy-eared, blue and brown-eyed dog remains at the East Orange Adoptable Dogs and Cats shelter. The shelter’s animal control officer, Lenora Hankerson, said PK has a fun personality and enjoys the outdoors.
“We are still getting to know her. So far PK is showing us a good time,” Hankerson said. “[She] enjoys a lot of love and attention.”
Her trek along the highway lasted for more than an hour as troopers tried to corral her, authorities told NJ Advance Media.
The Parkway didn’t shut down, but police purposely slowed down traffic while she was on the loose, authorities said.
Hankerson said the shelter hasn’t yet received any calls about PK, but proof of ownership is required in order to take her home.
PK will be put up for adoption if her owners do not claim her within a week, Hankerson said.
The East Orange Adoptable Cats and Dogs shelter may be reached at 862-930-7856.
Jenna Wise may be reached at jwise@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JennaRWise. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.
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