Sometimes, the smallest acts of compassion make the biggest difference—especially when they come in a moment of pain and fear. One Florida deputy proved just that when he found an injured dog lying helplessly by the side of the road.
Deputy Joshua Fiorelli, from Osceola County, was on duty when he spotted the dog—alone, injured, and shivering on the cold ground.
While waiting for animal control to arrive, he didn’t just stand by. He knelt down beside her, gently wrapped her in his own jacket, and offered comfort and warmth to a soul in need.
A bystander snapped a photo of the touching scene—Deputy Fiorelli sitting on the grass, quietly stroking the dog and making sure she didn’t feel alone. The image quickly went viral, sparking praise across social media for his kindness to injured animals.
“It was just the right thing to do,” Fiorelli said. “She was cold, scared, and hurt. I just wanted her to know someone cared.”
The dog, a sweet girl with a dislocated leg, was taken to the Osceola County Animal Shelter. Though unable to walk much, she wagged her tail gently in response to the care she received.
The shelter staff continues to monitor her closely and are keeping her comfortable with pain medication. Deputy Fiorelli hopes she’ll be reunited with her family—but if no one comes forward, she’ll be up for adoption once she fully heals.
This story is a powerful reminder of how kindness to injured animals reflects the best in humanity. It doesn’t take much—just warmth, presence, and a willingness to care.
Deputy Fiorelli didn’t seek attention; he simply acted with heart. And in doing so, he made a world of difference for a frightened, hurting dog.
Let’s celebrate the people who go out of their way for animals, and let this story inspire more of us to show up with empathy—when it matters most.