Current:Home > MarketsA 'Trooper': Florida dog rescued from Hurricane Milton on I-75 awaits adoption -Thrive Success Strategies
A 'Trooper': Florida dog rescued from Hurricane Milton on I-75 awaits adoption
View
Date:2025-04-12 21:11:55
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. − The dog tied to a fence along Interstate 75 as Hurricane Milton approached Florida is a real "Trooper."
The dog, which appears to be a Bull Terrier, is now in the care of the Leon County Humane Society, in Tallahassee. In a video clip widely shared on social media, a Florida state trooper is shown spotting the abandoned pooch tied to a fence along I-75 in Tampa with stormwater rising to the dog's chest.
After sparking an online outcry, the dog – now named "Trooper" – was pictured in his cozy blanket and plush bed in a post on the local society's Facebook page Thursday. The post explained his new name "for how much he's been through and to honor those who saved him."
"We wanted to let those who have been following this story know that he is safe and sound, because we've been worried about him since seeing his story," the post says. "We also want those following to know that we take animal abandonment seriously and will be closely watching his case and using his experience to educate."
Trooper was picked up Wednesday night after the shelter was contacted by the governor’s office, the post explained.
Hundreds of thousands fled to escape Milton, which spawned a series of devastating tornadoes around the state. Trooper, it seems, was not included in his previous owner's evacuation plans, causing heartbreak on social media.
A 36-second video posted on social media by the Florida Highway Patrol-Tampa showed the dog stranded and tied to a fence, up to his belly in water on the side of I-75 as the storm approached the Tampa Bay area.
Gov. Ron DeSantis reposted the video, saying it was "cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a post in the middle of an oncoming storm. FL will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable."
At a Wednesday evening news conference about the storm, the governor added, "What kind of an animal would just leave a dog chained to a pole in the middle of a hurricane? I mean, it's just unbelievable."
Trooper's story highlighted the issue of animal cruelty and abandonment, and the Leon County Humane Society has been able to raise $1,603 for dogs with similar stories and to help with its daily rescue efforts, it says.
The shelter says it will keep Trooper's fans apprised on his recovery.
The dog is still "stressed and still decompressing" from the events of the last days. He'll be finding a new home when he's ready for the "next phase of life."
How to help
∎ Go to leoncountyhumane.org/donate.
This article contains previously reported information. Kyla Sanford can be reached at [email protected].
veryGood! (35229)
Related
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- When does Noah Lyles race? Olympic 100 race schedule, results Saturday
- Megan Thee Stallion hits back at Kamala Harris rally performance critics: 'Fake Mad'
- After a Study Found Lead in Tampons, Environmentalists Wonder if Global Metal Pollution Is Worse Than They Previously Thought
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- When is Noah Lyles' next race? Latest updates including highlights, results, and schedule
- Coca-Cola to pay $6 billion in IRS back taxes case while appealing judge’s decision
- Katie Ledecky cements her status as Olympic icon with 9th gold, 12 years after her first
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Sha’Carri Richardson overcomes sluggish start to make 100-meter final at Paris Olympics
Ranking
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Angelina Jolie Accuses Brad Pitt of Attempting to Silence Her With NDA
- Mariah Carey is taking her Christmas music on tour again! See star's 2024 dates
- Would your cat survive the 'Quiet Place'? Felines hilariously fail viral challenge
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Woman's body found with no legs in California waterway, coroner asks public to help ID
- Minnesota Settles ‘Deceptive Environmental Marketing’ Lawsuit Over ‘Recycling’ Plastic Bags
- Man dies parachuting on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Recommendation
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
2024 Olympics: British Racer Kye Whyte Taken to Hospital After Crash During BMX Semifinals
Police search huge NYC migrant shelter for ‘dangerous contraband’ as residents wait in summer heat
What polling shows about the top VP contenders for Kamala Harris
Trump's 'stop
Late grandfather was with Ryan Crouser 'every step of the way' to historic third gold
Rejuvenated Steelers QB Russell Wilson still faces challenges on path to redemption
Trinity Rodman plays the hero in USWNT victory over Japan — even if she doesn't remember