A bull terrier, rescued from the side of a Florida highway during Hurricane Milton, has been given the new name “Trooper” in honour of the Tampa Highway Patrolman who saved him. The heartwarming incident captured in a viral video showed Trooper visibly scared and agitated as he stood in rising waters. The dog was found tied to chicken wire fencing along Interstate 75, a crucial evacuation route for many Floridians fleeing the storm.
The video of Trooper’s rescue gained attention from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, recognising the trooper’s compassionate actions. Katie Stryker, from the Leon County Humane Society, praised the trooper’s efforts in ensuring Trooper’s safety and comfort, stating that his rescue was truly above and beyond.
The humane society in Tallahassee, where Trooper is now in foster care, has revealed that they are uncertain how he became tied up or how long he had been stranded. Despite his ordeal, Trooper was found in good health with trimmed nails and at a healthy weight. Authorities have not pressed charges related to the incident.
Following a visit to the Hillsborough Pet Resource Center for a health check and to scan for a microchip, it was determined that Trooper had been abandoned. In a heartwarming turn of events, the trooper who initially rescued him took custody of Trooper. With no original owner coming forward, the humane society received a request from the governor’s office to relocate Trooper to Leon County.
Currently in foster care, Trooper is adjusting to his new surroundings and people. While still feeling stressed and anxious, he is gradually showing signs of warming up to his caretakers. The society aims to learn more about Trooper in the coming weeks to find him a permanent, loving home.
There are around 200 animals under the care of the Leon County Humane Society, including cats rescued during Hurricane Milton. The society emphasised that while Trooper’s story gained fame, there are many other animals in need of homes. They urged the public to consider adopting a pet, as there are numerous animals awaiting loving families like Trooper.