Through social media, many witnessed and experienced the heartbreak of the dog now known as “Trooper,” found by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper tied to a fence on the side of Interstate 75 as Hurricane Milton barreled toward the state.
The five-year-old Bull terrier captured the hearts of those both near and far. Since then, the pooch has made national headlines.
Now, the good news: Trooper has a new beginning with a foster home, committed to helping him recover with an open yard to play and cuddles all day. And Trooper’s fans have helped cause a new wave of donations to the Leon County Humane Society, which initially took him in.
To the uninitiated, here’s Trooper’s story in a nutshell:
Trooper was found up to his belly in standing water along the side of I-75 in Tampa as the daunting Category 4 Milton approached.
A video of the rescue was made by the trooper, Orlando Morales. He got a tip from another driver who was traveling on the interstate and spotted the animal.
That video was later posted on social media platforms. Outrage grew as the minute-long clip circulated Oct. 9.
Trooper’s previous owner, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, was identified Oct. 15 and will face prosecution for aggravated animal cruelty.
According to a news release from State Attorney Suzy Lopez’s office, Garcia admitted to leaving the dog, which he called “Jumbo,” while driving from Tampa to Georgia to flee from Milton “because he couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up,” according to Lopez.
Garcia could face a maximum of five years in prison for the third-degree felony.
Trooper was initially taken in by the Leon County Humane Society on Oct. 9 after receiving a call from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office.
According to the shelter’s website, Trooper is now living in a loving, temporary home who has experience with his breed, the organization said.
Trooper is still on the road to recovery, adjusting to the spotlight and making room in his heart to receive all the love he’s gotten.
Trooper is currently not up for adoption. But there are plenty more four-legged friend at the Leon County Humane Society, which has adoption applications online for those looking to become pet owners.
Trooper’s spotlight has brought attention to other dogs with similar stories who need help too. The Leon County Humane Society asks people to visit their Facebook and website to stay up to date. People can donate, volunteer and foster to help.
The organization has even made “Tell ‘Em Trooper Sent You” T-shirts to kick off a “personal animal rescue journey.” Proceeds will go to rescue, rehabilitation and education efforts.
∎ To donate, click here.
∎ To foster, click here.
∎ To get a t-shirt, click here.
Kyla Sanford, a reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat, can be reached at ksanford@gannett.com.
