A dog named Trooper, who was left tied to a fence on a Florida highway during the evacuations for Hurricane Milton, is on the road to recovery at an animal shelter in Tallahassee, Florida. This brave canine was named Trooper in tribute to those who came to his rescue. The Leon County Humane Society shared on social media that his name reflects both his ordeal and the courage of his rescuers.
Despite being safe now, Trooper is experiencing stress and is still undergoing rehabilitation. The shelter anticipates that it will take at least a month for him to fully adjust to his new environment. The organization strongly condemned the abandonment of pets, calling it "completely unacceptable" behavior from any pet owner.
Community Support and Rehabilitation
The Humane Society emphasized the critical role played by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Trooper's survival. "Without their help, this dog wouldn't have made it," they stated, describing the act of abandoning Trooper as both cruel and pointless, especially given the efforts to handle the approaching storm.
While many have shown interest in adopting Trooper, the shelter made it clear that adoption requests will not be considered until he has fully recovered. "We have no idea what his life was like before he was abandoned," the Humane Society mentioned. They are committed to understanding his needs fully before moving forward with adoption, ensuring Trooper's next chapter is filled with kindness and care.
A Resilient Spirit
Trooper was discovered by a Florida Highway Patrol officer on Wednesday, along a stretch of Interstate 75 near Tampa. A video taken by the officer captured the moment Trooper was found: standing still beside the fence, waist-deep in water. As the officer approached, Trooper began to bark.
"I don't blame you. It's okay, buddy, it's okay," the officer reassured him. Following Trooper's rescue, the Florida Highway Patrol urged Floridians not to leave their pets behind during evacuations. The story garnered national attention, sparking concern among animal lovers about Trooper's welfare.