Police Rescue Dog Tied to Fence Just Before Hurricane Milton Hits

Police officers in Tampa, FL made a disturbing discovery on Wednesday morning just ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall, when they came across a helpless dog that had been tied to a fence near a highway. And the poor animal was already up to its stomach in water when it was rescued, indicating that the situation could have very easily ended in tragedy.

In a video posted to social media, state troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol can be seen pulled over on the empty highway, as the camera pans across a wide grassy field with the rain already coming down heavy.

"It's OK buddy, it's OK," the officer says as he approaches the growling bull terrier, making kissing noises in an attempt to calm it. "I don't blame you. I don't blame you, it's OK buddy, it's OK," he tells the frantic, barking dog, before the video cuts off.

"FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B. Downs Blvd. this morning," the video was captioned. "Do NOT do this to your pets please."

Thankfully, the story had a happy ending. The Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles posted an update just a few hours later, explaining that the rescued dog was safe and receiving care.

"Troopers brought him to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health," the account posted, along with a photo of the happy pooch in the backseat of the patrol car next to a blanket.

As many residents prepared to evacuate, the Florida Division 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 stated in all-caps. "It is unlikely for pets or larger animals to survive on their own. If by some 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 strikes."

Among the tips offered were to ensure that owners had a safe place to take their pets, as well as having a portable pet disaster supplies kit with items such as food, medications, medical records, leashes, harnesses, and carriers at the ready.