WATCH: FHP trooper saves dog tied to pole on I-75 near Tampa amid Hurricane Milton

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida Highway Patrol Trooper saved a poor pup that was left tied to a pole on Interstate 75 near Tampa on Wednesday morning as last-minute evacuations continued ahead of Hurricane Milton.

Heartbreaking video of the rescue shows the scared white dog tied up to fencing off the side of the highway near Bruce B Downs Boulevard. As the trooper inched near the dog, he could see that water was rising above the dog’s legs, nearing its chest from the ongoing rain.

“FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning. Do NOT do this to your pets please…” the agency wrote on social media .

While the dog was thankfully saved, officials urged residents who evacuated their homes to bring their pets with them so they don’t get trapped in the flood waters and remain safe during the storm.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the dog is now safe and receiving care.

“The dog rescued by FHP Tampa is safe and receiving care. Troopers brought him to a vet, where he was examined for injuries and received a clean bill of health,” the agency said .

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