MARTIN COUNTY — Eight people have been hospitalized in Martin County for treatment for the coronavirus, according to the Department of Health.

But one of them had concern about his four-legged friend getting help too.

Sassy, a German Shepherd, was stranded on a boat docked at Manatee Pocket after her owner, who lives on the vessel, was taken to a hospital, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said. The owner pleaded for help from the Sheriff's Office to rescue the girl.

The Sheriff's Office Marine Unit worked with Animal Services officers to create a plan that would ensure the safety of the officers boarding the boat and the rescue of the stranded animal, said Christine Weiss, spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office.

More:Animal lovers pounce after seeing mural of shark eyeing dog chasing orange | Opinion

The team dressed in full personal protective gear and went to Manatee Pocket Friday. They took Sassy to a facility where she will remain until her owner recovers.

The abundance of precaution for the rescue was because of the coronavirus. The virus can linger on surfaces, which meant the boat itself may have been contaminated by the ill owner.

And Sassy herself? Researchers worldwide are still trying to conclude the effect of the virus on pets and if they could carry it to a person.

So far, two dogs have tested positive for the virus, both in Hong Kong. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the canines became infected following "close exposure" to owners sick with the disease. But the organization reports there is no evidence yet that dogs have shown any clinical signs of the virus, or that they can play a role in its spread. Further studies are underway.

More:Home during the coronavirus? Treasure Coast animal shelters hope you'll foster dogs, cats

The Center for Disease Control has not received reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.

IDEXX Laboratories, a veterinary diagnostic company, reported on March 13 it had evaluated thousands of cats and dogs while validating a new veterinary test system for the virus and had seen “no positive results in pets to date."

USA Today contributed to this report.

Stancil is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Contact Stancil at 321-987-7179 or lamaur.stancil@tcpalm.com. Twitter: @TCPalmLStancil. To stay up to date with our breaking news coverage and our exclusive content, be sure to subscribe.