Police officers in Tampa, Florida, made a disturbing discovery Wednesday morning, just before Hurricane Milton made landfall, when they came across a helpless dog tied to a fence near a highway. And when the poor animal was rescued, it was already up to its stomach in water, indicating that the situation could easily have ended in tragedy.
A video posted on social media shows state troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol being pulled over on the empty highway; The rain is already starting to fall as the camera pans across a large grassy area.
“It's okay, mate, it's okay,” the officer says as he approaches the growling bull terrier and makes kissing noises to calm him down. “I don't blame you. I don't blame you, it's okay buddy, it's okay,” he tells the dog, who barks wildly, before the video cuts out.
“FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B. Downs Blvd. this morning,” the video's caption read. “Please don't do this to your pets.”
FHP Troopers rescued a dog this morning that was left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd. Please don't do this to your pets… pic.twitter.com/8cZJOfkJL2
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) October 9, 2024
Fortunately, the story has a happy ending. Just a few hours later, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued an update explaining that the rescued dog was safe and being cared for.
“Troopers took him to a veterinarian, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health,” the account said, along with a photo of the happy dog sitting next to a blanket in the backseat of the patrol car.
Update: Dog rescued @FHPTampa is safe and cared for. Soldiers took him to a veterinarian, where he was examined for injuries and given a clean bill of health. pic.twitter.com/cut1jv7cBe
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) October 9, 2024
As many residents prepared to evacuate, the Florida Department of Emergency Management posted on its website advising pet owners to make a plan for their animals ahead of the deadly storm.
“If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS OR ANIMALS BEHIND,” the agency said in all capital letters. “Pets or larger animals are unlikely to survive on their own. If by chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return. Prepare now and protect your family and pets before the next disaster.”
Tips offered included making sure owners have a safe place to take their pets, as well as having a portable pet disaster supplies kit on hand, with items like food, medication, medical records, leashes, harnesses and carriers.