As Hurricane Milton approached Florida with its ferocious winds and heavy rains, stories of daring rescues and harrowing escapes filled the news. Among them, a particularly touching moment unfolded when Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers saved a dog left tied to a pole and standing in a puddle, facing the storm’s wrath alone.
The incident took place Wednesday morning near Interstate 75, close to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, as Milton’s outer bands began to sweep through the Tampa area. Bodycam footage shared on the FHP Tampa account showed the dramatic scene.
A trooper, with rain pouring down around him, carefully approached the dog, who was tethered to a pole in a flooded patch of ground. The animal, visibly distressed and wet, stood with its legs submerged in the rising water.
“It’s OK, buddy. It’s OK,” the trooper reassured the nervous dog as he slowly approached. The dog responded with a growl, a mix of fear and confusion in the face of the worsening storm. Remaining calm, the trooper continued speaking gently, saying, “I don’t blame you. I don’t blame you.”
The state of Florida is bracing to get rocked by Hurricane Milton, and people are evacuated out of the path of the storm before the core of it makes landfall Wednesday night.
Unfortunately for one terrified dog, its owner tied it to a pole and left it to die in the storm. The… pic.twitter.com/h83Z6vgYyw
— OutKick (@Outkick) October 10, 2024
This rescue video quickly gained attention, including a response from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. He condemned the abandonment, stating, “It is cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a post in the middle of an oncoming storm. FL will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable.” His statement highlighted Florida’s stance on animal cruelty, especially during dangerous weather events like Hurricane Milton.
After the trooper successfully freed the dog, the animal was taken to a veterinarian for a thorough check-up. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the dog was found to be in good health and is now in safe hands, receiving the care it needs.
The FHP, while relieved that this rescue had a happy ending, emphasized that their patrols were not yet over. As Hurricane Milton made its way across the state, the agency continued to scan for any vulnerable animals or people who might have been left behind. While no other animals had been reported stranded as of that time, troopers remained vigilant, ensuring that anyone in need would not face the storm alone.
#BREAKING: Gov. Ron DeSantis wants the “book thrown at” the person who tied this dog to a pole before Milton
“We’ve got really good laws in Florida against animal cruelty.”
“We don’t have tolerance for that in Florida. I thought it was outrageous.” https://t.co/Gq5iRDvx1O pic.twitter.com/SMoJOwgqRh
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) October 9, 2024
The heartwarming rescue serves as a reminder of the compassionate efforts of first responders who work tirelessly, even in the face of nature’s fury. As Florida navigates the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, stories like these offer a glimmer of hope amid the chaos. And for one lucky dog, it’s a second chance at safety, thanks to a trooper’s kindness and dedication.
