North Dakota Trooper Rescues Puppy Abandoned After Driver Flees Crash
What began as a routine crash response turned into a moment that has touched hearts of dog lovers everywhere.
North Dakota Highway Trooper Tom Steenstrup responded to a car crash only to discover a puppy left behind after the driver fled the scene.
“Yesterday, Trooper Tom Steenstrup responded to a crash where the driver fled the scene in another vehicle. What he didn’t expect to find was a scared, shivering pup left behind in the crashed vehicle,” North Dakota Highway Patrol shared on social media.
Trooper Tom Steenstrup found the scared, shivering pup inside and gently removed him, placing him safely in the back of his patrol car. The puppy quickly relaxed, wagging his tail and attempting to play as Trooper Tom checked on him before returning to process the crash site.
Below is the same video as shared by the North Dakota Highway Patrol on Facebook.
The dog was later transported to the station, where a member of the Crash Assistance Program — who also volunteers with a local animal rescue — stepped in and fostered him. The puppy adapted quickly and was renamed Tom.
The department shared an update that puppy Tom is doing well writing, “We’re happy to report that he is safe, warm, and thriving in a foster home in Fargo.”
While the driver has been identified and now faces multiple charges, the heartwarming moment between officer and puppy has touched animal lovers everywhere, with many hoping Officer Tom will adopt Tom.