PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- A dog is recovering after being dragged behind a truck for at least half a mile. 

  • Destiny is being treated for her injuries
  • The owner forgot she was tied to truck, says deputies
  • Owner to face criminal charges

Two weeks ago, Destiny's owner forgot the pup was tied to the back of the truck and took off, accidentally dragging her behind.

A Palm Beach County deputy spotted her, pulled the car over and took her right to the vet.

"Had they not gotten her here so that we could start intervening with IV antibiotics, supportive care, shock therapy and then eventually surgery, she probably would have passed away," said Dr. Steve Hanson of Pet Emergency & Referral Center in Palm Beach Gardens.

Destiny's owner, 64-year-old Lloyd Brown, surrendered her because he could not afford to pay her medical bills, confirmed Capt. David Walesky with the county's Animal Care and Control to Spectrum News.

The rescue organization, Salty Dog, saved the day, but is asking for donations because the bills continue to stack.

Walesky said that Brown has a history with animal control, but could not expend on that since there is an active criminal investigation into the owner, who could face criminal charges.

However, Walesky did say that Brown seemed genuinely upset that he could not properly care for Destiny.

Anthony Leone contributed to this story.