From Rescue to Viral I-75 Dog “Trooper” Now Welcomed in Leon County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – As Hurricane Milton bore down on Tampa and thousands of people fled the impending storm, Florida Highway Patrol troopers spotted an alarming sight on the side of the highway: a dog tied to a fence with water up to his chest.

The heartbreaking rescue was captured on the soldier’s body camera, and the footage later went viral on social media, sparking an outcry against the abandonment of animals, especially in times of disaster.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reposted video of the rescue Wednesday, writing that it was “cruel for anyone to leave a dog tied to a pole in the middle of an impending storm.” FL will hold anyone who mistreats pets accountable.

This dog in the video is now in the loving care of a foster parent right here in Tallahassee and has been named “Trooper” in honor of “all he endured and to honor those who saved him” , according to a Facebook post from the Humane Society of Leon County.

“We can’t imagine the situation that ended with him tied to that pole and left him without any hope. It’s hard even to imagine how scared he must have been as cars sped by, water rose to his stomach, and storm clouds darkened,” reads on Facebook in a message from the Humane Society.

LCHS picked up Trooper Wednesday evening from the Department of Emergency Services after being contacted by the Governor’s Office.

The Humane Society is not currently accepting adoption applications for Trooper as he continues his health checks and decompressions.

More good news:

LCHS raised more than $2,000 Thursday evening as they look to “continue helping dogs like Trooper and other animals in need,” according to the post.

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