Lost Dog Jumps Into Tuolumne County Deputy's Patrol Car

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TUOLUMNE (CBS13) - A lost dog apparently knew exactly who would help him on a cold night in Tuolumne County.

The sheriff's office says early Wednesday morning, Deputy Hammell had pulled over a suspicious vehicle in the Tuolumne Market parking lot. He left the door of his patrol car open when he went to speak to the people in the car.

When Deputy Hammell got back, a furry passenger was waiting for him.

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Ruger, a beautiful black lab, had jumped into the car and made himself at home. He soon fell asleep inside the warm car.

Using the info on Ruger's collar, Deputy Hammell managed to contact the lab's owners. Ruger was then given a ride home.

Ruger's owners had been looking for him all evening and were very happy to be united with him, Deputy Hammell said.