Photo of sheriff's deputy comforting dog that was hit by a car goes viral

Deputy Josh Fiorelli was captured caring for a dog that was hit by a car until Animal Services arrived. (Photo: Osceola County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)
Deputy Josh Fiorelli was captured caring for a dog that was hit by a car until Animal Services arrived. (Photo: Osceola County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)

A Florida sheriff’s deputy went above and beyond the call of duty when he showed compassion to an injured animal – and was unwittingly captured in the act.

Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Fiorelli used his own coat to help keep a dog that was hit by a car warm. “It was cold out. She was wet,” Fiorelli told Orlando, Fla., news station WFTV. “She didn’t have anyone there, so I decided to be that person.”

According to the outlet, Carlos Irizzary, who was walking his own dog on Sunday morning, snapped the picture because it was “something that you don’t see every day.”

“I know a lot of dogs become defensive when they get hurt. She was not defensive at all. She was acceptive of me trying to pet her and take care of her,” Fiorelli said of the dog, who suffered a dislocated leg and some scratches. While she will need surgery, she is expected to make a full recovery and is being taken care of at Osceola County Animal Shelter.

The shelter said it has to wait three days for someone to claim the dog, which had no collar or microchip, WFTV reports. If no one claims the dog, then it will go into surgery on Thursday.

The candid photo drew the attention of animal lovers on Facebook. One commenter shared, “This brings me so much comfort to know the officer saved this pup.” Another wrote, “Thank you Officer Fiorelli for showing compassion to that poor little girl. So glad you were there for her.”

Fiorelli is hopeful that the dog will go to people who will microchip and collar her. “Keep an eye on them,” he told WFTV. “They may only be a part of your life, but you’re their whole life.”

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