“Puddles” might sound like a name given to a mischievous dog that either isn’t quite house-trained or has a habit of splashing around in water when told not to. But for one deputy from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and his family, the name couldn’t have been more fitting for the puppy they saved from a life-threatening situation last month. The rescue, which took place in Florida, involved a tiny pup trapped in a septic drain—an experience that would change both the dog’s and the deputy’s life forever.

The incident unfolded when deputies from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office were wrapping up a routine call. As they were leaving, a faint sound stopped them in their tracks. It wasn’t loud or clear—it was almost imperceptible—but enough to catch their attention. The noise turned out to be the distressed whimpers of a puppy, barely audible, coming from deep within a septic drain.

Deputy Troy Glover, who works in the civil division of the sheriff’s office, had been at a property in the 3500 block of Sloan Road in Fort Pierce to carry out an eviction. While inspecting the premises, he heard the soft, pitiful cries of what sounded like a dog in trouble. Following the sound to the back of the house, Glover discovered a mud-filled hole filled with dirty, stagnant water. There, struggling to stay above the surface, was a frightened puppy stuck inside the septic drain.

The situation was dire. The drain was several feet deep, and the tiny dog was doing everything he could to keep his head above the murky water. When Glover tried to approach, the puppy became visibly agitated, likely a mix of fear, confusion, and exhaustion. Realizing he needed backup, Glover called fellow deputy Michael Gettings for assistance.

Gettings responded immediately. “He was just balancing on his back legs to keep his head above water,” Gettings recalled. “I don’t know how long he had been down there, but his back legs weren’t even functioning when we finally pulled him out.”

Using a catch pole he keeps in his patrol car, Gettings carefully maneuvered the dog out of the drain without causing further harm. The pup, now soaked, shivering, and covered in muck, was rushed to the Humane Society of St. Lucie County’s Fort Pierce facility for immediate care.

At the Humane Society, staff gave the little dog several much-needed baths to get rid of the awful smell and filth. But cleaning him was only the beginning. The medical team ran tests to check for pneumonia, hypothermia, and any infections he might have picked up while stuck in such unsanitary conditions. David Lynch, the Humane Society’s public information officer, explained, “We were also watching for psychological trauma. Puppies that have been abandoned or put through something that traumatic sometimes have lasting behavioral issues. But not Puddles—he was resilient from the start. He had a spark.”

The medical staff not only treated him but also took care of essential health services. Puddles was neutered, received all his vaccinations, and was given a full check-up. Miraculously, he began to regain movement in his hind legs and was soon walking again. In the end, they gave him a clean bill of health. Based on their evaluation, the pup was just a few months old—likely not even six months.

“We’ve seen dogs rescued from trash compactors and garbage piles, but this is one of the rare times we’ve found a puppy inside a septic drain,” Lynch added.

The Sheriff’s Office shared the story on its official Facebook page, including a heart-wrenching photo of Puddles stuck inside the septic drain, head barely above the waterline. The public response was immediate, with people expressing both outrage and relief at the outcome. In response to safety concerns, the Florida Department of Health reached out to the property’s landlord, urging action to secure or cover the hazardous drain so no other animals—or children—could suffer the same fate.

Efforts to locate the dog’s original owner proved unsuccessful. No one came forward to claim him, and the Humane Society had no way of tracking where he came from. So just a few days after the rescue, Deputy Gettings stepped up once again—this time to become the dog’s new forever dad.

“He was just too special to let go,” Gettings said. “After everything he’d been through, we felt like he belonged with us.”

Puddles quickly adapted to his new home. He joined the Gettings family, which includes Michael’s wife, Rachael, their two-year-old daughter Evelyn, and the family’s basset hound, Lacie. Despite his dramatic start in life, Puddles has embraced a more peaceful, loving environment.

“He mostly just lounges around now,” Gettings shared with a laugh. “He’s happiest when he’s home with us, especially when he’s curled up on the couch or playing gently with Evelyn.”

Stories like Puddles’ serve as reminders of the compassion and quick action that can change an animal’s fate forever. From being trapped in a dangerous, filthy drain to finding a warm, safe home full of love, Puddles’ journey is a testament to the incredible work of law enforcement officers, animal rescue organizations, and kind-hearted families who open their homes and hearts to animals in need.

Thanks to the persistence and care of Deputies Glover and Gettings, along with the staff at the Humane Society, a life was not only saved—it was given a brand-new beginning. And while the name “Puddles” might carry a humorous tone, for one lucky pup, it now stands for hope, survival, and the joy of second chances.