Trooper Finds Shivering Puppy Abandoned After Car Crash and Steps In to Help

When Trooper Tom Steenstrup arrived at a crash scene in North Dakota, he never expected to find a terrified puppy left behind inside the wrecked car. The driver had fled — but the pup stayed, shaking and scared.

“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 Steenstrup spoke softly to the puppy, gently removed him before placing him safely in the back of his patrol car. The puppy quickly relaxed, wagging his tail and attempting to play as the trooper checked on him before returning to process the crash site.

If you have trouble viewing the video above, below is the video shared by the department.

He later brought the dog back to the station where one of the staff quickly swooped in to help.

“Trooper Steenstrup brought the dog to safety, and one of our Crash Assistance Program team members, who volunteers with a local dog rescue, immediately stepped in to help and brought the pup into her home,” NDHP wrote. “The pup settled in quickly and got a new name: Tom!”

Authorities have since identified the driver, who will face multiple charges. The incident remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

As for the pup, 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.”

Animal lovers are celebrating Trooper Tom’s compassion and crossing their fingers that this rescue becomes a forever partnership.

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