Video: Dog tied to pole on Tampa highway rescued as Hurricane Milton approaches

TAMPA, Fla. – A dog left to fend for itself during Hurricane Milton was rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said they were on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd. found a dog tied to a pole. on Wednesday morning.

The video shows the dog standing in a puddle of water that reaches up to his chest.

READ: Hurricane Milton Tracker: Storm weakens to strength. 4. Landfall in Florida expected as a “dangerous” storm

The dog barked at the police officers as they approached, telling him that everything was fine and that they would not blame him for the barking.

Troopers rescued a dog that was hanging from a pole on I-75 near Brice B Downs Blvd. was found. on Wednesday morning. Image courtesy of FHP.

FHP warns dog owners not to “do this to your pets.”

Officers took the dog to a veterinarian, where it was examined for injuries and given a clean bill of health.

The dog is safe and is being cared for after being rescued by police officers. Photo credit: FHP

Hurricane Milton, which strengthened to a Category 5 storm Wednesday morning before weakening to a strong Category 4 storm, is expected to hit Florida's west coast early Thursday morning.

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