They said they wanted to allow the animal to attend its owner's memorial service.
The mixed-breed dog, Luke, was picked up April 22nd while roaming the streets of the tiny town of Wilson.
A day later his owner died, and a rumor spread that authorities planned to euthanize Luke.
Police say trio broke-in and grabbed the pooch but were caught dog-handed.
As it turns out, authorities had no plans to put Luke to sleep.
He'll be released as soon as relatives of the deceased can put up a fence for him.