Hurricane Milton: Florida's Finest Hour (Not)

As Hurricane Milton starts its Florida smackdown, online platforms are aflutter with concern for humans and animals alike. Amidst the "how to survive" guides, one post stood out like a sore, drenched thumb.

Posted by Florida Highway Patrol-Tampa (because X is the new Twitter), the video shows cops approaching a dog tied to a fence near Interstate 75. The poor pup's standing in stomach-high water, growling in fear. "It's okay," says the officer, because apparently, that's all it takes to calm a terrified, flooded dog.

"Do NOT do this to your pets please," said the post. Even Gov. Ron DeSantis reposted it, saying, "It is cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a post in the middle of an oncoming storm. FL will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable." Wow, way to state the obvious, Ron.

Watch the rescue here (if you dare)

Meanwhile, people are debating animal safety like their lives depend on it. One horse owner painted their phone number on their horse's belly. Because that's not weird at all. Others braided name tags into manes.

"Lot of people not understanding this the standard protocol and the BEST way to give your horses a chance in a natural disaster," said X user @adversewitness. "Let them go and they’ll find higher ground. It’s not cruel. Cruel is leaving them in a fenced pasture to drown." Thanks for the lecture, horse whisperer.

Prepare, or else...

"Preparation is really key," says Jessica Johnson from the Humane Society. (No, really?) She suggests a pet preparedness kit with vet records, meds, food, water, and a crate. And maybe a mini-ark, just in case.

And if you're caught off guard? "If the water is rising, then you do what you need to do," she says. "Just get yourself out and grab your pet... and get out." Thanks, Captain Obvious.

Tips for small and large animals

For small animals, bring them along or find temporary shelters. For large animals, unlock barn doors, paint your contact info on them (seriously?), and hope for the best. The Humane Society has more tips, like reinforcing your barn and removing barbed wire. Because that's what we all have time for during a hurricane.

Contributing: Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY. (Because someone had to.)