An abandoned puppy was named Tom after the state trooper who found him.
'Shivering' Puppy Found at Scene of Car Crash Named 'Tom' After State Trooper Who Saved Him
A puppy who was abandoned at the scene of a car crash in North Dakota is now safe and sound after being found by state trooper Tom Steenstrup earlier this month — and sweetest of all, the tiny dog has been named Tom in honor of his rescuer!
On November 14, North Dakota Highway Patrol posted sweet photos of Steenstrup with his canine mini-me on social media and shared details of the heartbreaking circumstances under which they met.
The story drew lots of attention online, which is not surprising given how touching it is.
Trooper Tom Steenstrup found puppy Tom at the scene of a car crash.
"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," NDHP wrote on Facebook. "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. The pup settled in quickly and got a new name: Tom!"
They went on to answer the question on everyone's lips: "The driver involved in the crash has since been identified and will face multiple charges. The incident remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol."
Dog Tom ran amok in Trooper Steenstrup's car.
Members of the public were deeply moved by this story, with many commenting that Trooper Steenstrup should be the one to adopt puppy Tom.
"Trooper steenstrup looks like he just added a member to his family👀" said one person on Facebook.
"No,no that pup shouldn't be at a rescue. That pup belongs to Officer Tom now," added someone else.
"Looks like officer Tom has a new partner 😊," wrote another.
NDHP posted footage of Officer Tom saving Dog Tom.
But of course, two pictures and a short update weren't enough for people who were now deeply invested in dog Tom's story.
"Ask and you shall receive! We’ve gotten an overwhelming number of messages asking how the rescued puppy, now affectionately nicknamed Tom, has been doing since this week’s hit and run crash. We’re happy to report that he is safe, warm, and thriving in a foster home in Fargo," NDHP wrote on Facebook later that same day, alongside bodycam footage of Trooper Steenstrup finding and saving the puppy. "Trooper Tom Steenstrup found the pup alone at a crash scene after a driver struck a guardrail and fled. Thanks to Trooper Steenstrup’s quick actions, this little puppy is getting the care and comfort he deserves."
Trooper Steenstrup sweetly posed with his new canine pal.
As for the person who caused the crash and abandoned their dog, NDHP wrote, "The crash investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending."