“Trooper” – Dog rescued from Hurricane Milton on I-75, now safe

On By Yukito

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A dog tied to a fence along Interstate 75 as Hurricane Milton approached Florida is a real “soldier.”

The dog, which appears to be a bull terrier, is currently in the care of the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee. A video widely shared on social media shows a Florida State Trooper spotting an abandoned dog tied to a fence along I-75 in Tampa with stormwater up to his chest.

After sparking outrage online, the dog – now nicknamed “Trooper” – was photographed in his comfy blanket and plush bed in a Thursday post on the local association’s Facebook page. The post explained his new name “because of what he has been through and to honor those who saved him.”

“We wanted those following this story to know that he is safe and sound as we have been concerned about him since we saw his story,” the post read. “We also want those watching to know that we take animal abandonment seriously and will be keeping a close eye on his case and using his experience to educate.”

As explained in the post, the soldier was picked up Wednesday evening after the shelter was contacted by the governor’s office.

Hundreds of thousands fled Milton, which spawned a series of devastating tornadoes across the state. It appears the Trooper was not included in the previous owner’s evacuation plans, prompting heartbreak on social media.

A 36-second video posted to social media by the Florida Highway Patrol-Tampa showed the dog stranded and tied to a fence, belly-deep in water on the side of I-75 as the storm approached the Tampa Bay area.

Governor Ron DeSantis re-posted the video, stating that it was “cruel to leave a dog tied to a pole in the middle of an approaching storm. “Florida will hold accountable anyone who abuses pets.”

At a Wednesday evening news conference about the storm, the governor added: “What animal in the middle of a hurricane just leaves their dog chained to a pole? It’s just unbelievable.”

Trooper’s story highlighted the problem of animal cruelty and abandonment, and the Leon County Humane Society was able to raise $1,603 for dogs with similar stories and to help with daily rescue operations, it says.

The shelter says it will keep Trooper’s fans updated on his recovery.

The dog remains “stressed and still decompressed” from the events of recent days. When he is ready for the “next stage of life”, he will find a new home.

How to help

∎ Visit leoncountyhumane.org/donate.

This article contains previously reported information. Kyla Sanford can be reached at [email protected].