VIDEO: Deputies place bulldog in mop bucket during Alafia River floodwater rescue

ALAFIA RIVER, Fla. (WFLA) — Deputies saved a family of three, and their dog, from the Alafia River flood in what they’re calling a “Furry Companion Rescue.”

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the river was flooding due to the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall a week ago in Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm.

Newly released video shows deputies guiding the family, and their bulldog through the floodwaters from their home on Oct. 11.

As officials waded through the water, they grabbed one person and hoisted them onto a rescue boat before turning their attention to the animal.

“Hey Bubba, Hey Bubba,” the deputy is heard saying. “It’s OK.”

Unsure of how well the pup could swim, the bulldog was guided through the water in a bucket. Once they neared the rescue boat, the dog was lifted out of the floodwaters.

“We’re grateful to have brought this family and their four-legged friend to safety!” the sheriff’s office said.

According to the National Water Prediction Service , the Alafia River was at a staggering flood level of 15.4 feet Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, the level dropped to 12.6 feet.

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