TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The dog that was found tied to a fence on a Florida highway during evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton is rehabilitating at an animal rescue facility in Tallahassee, according to a representative from the Leon County Humane Society.
The dog was initially spotted by a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol on Wednesday, along a section of Interstate 75 near Tampa.
Video taken by the trooper showed the dog, unable to move from the fence, standing in a pool of water that had already risen up to its belly.
VIDEO: Alligator seen attacking a tire in floodwaters after Hurricane Milton
The trooper approached the dog, who began barking in his direction.
“I don’t blame you,” the trooper responded. “I don’t blame you. It’s OK, buddy, it’s OK.”
After the dog was rescued, the Florida Highway Patrol urged Floridians not to abandon their pets during evacuations.
“Do NOT do this to your pets please,” the FHP wrote.
SEE IT: Workers with high-water rescue vehicles assist after Milton flooding