One Florida police officer takes his duties to protect and serve his community very seriously. This officer, Deputy Josh Fiorelli, protects both the two-legged and four-legged members of his community.
And so, when Fiorelli saw a dog lying injured on the side of the road, he immediately stopped to help.
Fiorelli just couldn’t leave the poor doggie lying there all alone.
So, the officer sat next to the dog and placed his own jacket over her so she could keep warm until help arrived.
“It was cold out. She was wet,” Fiorelli told WFTV9. “She didn’t have anyone there so I decided to be that person.”
Fiorelli said the dog just looked helpless and like she needed someone to be there for her.
“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,” he said.
Fiorelli had no idea that anyone was watching his act of kindness.
Carlos Irizzary was walking his own dog on Royal Palm Drive in Kissimmee and snapped a picture of the officer who was comforting the dog.
“This is something that you don’t see every day,” he said.
The photo was posted on the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page. They applauded their deputy for his efforts.
“Deputy Fiorelli cares for an injured dog who was hit by a car and waits with him until animal control arrives. Thank you Deputy Fiorelli for serving with care and compassion,” their post said.
That post ended up going viral and was shared by several news outlets across the country.
As for the dog, she suffered a dislocated leg.
She was brought to the Osceola County Animal Shelter where she was cared for and had surgery. The shelter named her Fiona.
The shelter looked for her owner, but she didn’t have a microchip or collar. Even after Fiona’s story went viral, no one came to claim her.
Fiorelli says that he also hopes that the dog will be reunited with her family soon.
He also wanted to urge the family and other families to microchip their pets.
“Keep an eye on them. They may only be a part of your life, but you’re their whole life,” he said.
After she was brought to their shelter in December 2018, Osceola County Animal Services provided a few updates on Fiona.
They said that Fiona’s surgery went well, and as the months went by, she began recovering and regained her energy. She made a good friend named Cannon and loved playing.
However, even though Fiona was sweet and happy, it took a while for her to find a home. Months after her surgery, the shelter was still looking for the right home for her.
Thankfully, Fiona did find a great forever home.
Her new owners created a Facebook page so her fans can keep up with her day-to-day life. It’s clear this sweet girl is happy and loved.
We’re so glad Fiona was rescued by such a kind police officer and that she’s doing so well.
If you’d like to see a sweet video of Fiona, check it out below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
VOLUME ⬆️ Fiona has a story to tell..🗣Regardless of the fact that Fiona has been featured on the news and several other social media outlets, she still sits at Osceola County Animal Services waiting for the right family to notice her.💔 This special girl has been through so much as you can hear her full story in the video. As much as the shelter staff has grown to love her, she truly deserves a home of her own.🏡 Fiona needs help finding an adopter in Florida who will provide the love and care she is beyond worthy of.🐾 Adopting is such a rewarding experience and we encourage you to take a chance on one of these amazing shelter dogs like Fiona.🐶➡️If you are interested in adopting Fiona please contact the shelter directly at 407-742-8000.➡️Or if you are considering fostering Fiona or any other of our available dogs, please fill out our foster screening form: https://www.mettarescuefamily.org/foster
Posted by METTA Rescue Family on Wednesday, May 15, 2019
