From rescue to viral I-75 dog “Trooper” now in a foster home in Leon County

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – As Hurricane Milton barreled toward Tampa and thousands fled the approaching storm, Florida Highway Patrol troopers spotted an alarming sight on the side of the road – a dog tied to a fence with water up to his chest .

The harrowing rescue was captured on the officer's body camera. The footage later went viral on social media, sparking an outcry against animal abandonment, especially during times of disaster.

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

The dog in the video is now in the loving care of a foster parent here in Tallahassee and has been named “Trooper” in honor of “how much he's been through and to honor those who rescued him,” one says Facebook post from Leon County Humane Society.

“We cannot imagine the situation that ended with him tied to that pole with no hope left. It's hard to imagine how scared he must have been as cars raced by, water rose to his stomach, and storm clouds darkened,” the Humane Society said in a Facebook post.

LCHS picked up Trooper from the Department of Emergency Services on Wednesday evening after the governor's office contacted him.

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

More good news:

According to the post, LCHS has raised over $2,000 as of Thursday evening to “continue helping dogs like Trooper and other animals in need.”

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