I would enjoy playing a space elf....
It's more like a man's best friend. You wouldn't leave a dog chained up to starve? So why leave your transportation and long time traveling companion? Not really a bromance or... hormance.
Plus Hugh would look like an ass if he didn't care for the animal. It doesn't show his caring character if he just forgets about it.
I'm aware, but he still wondered if they had brought him down.