Meet Trooper!
A pooch named Trooper caught the hearts of many after being discovered tied to a pole in Tampa just before Hurricane Milton. Fortunately, he is now in foster care thanks to the Leon County Humane Society.
The shelter announced on Thursday that this brave black-and-white dog, affectionately named “Trooper,” is recovering in safe hands. The name pays tribute to his resilience and the heroes who rescued him.
FHP/Facebook
A video captured by FHP shows a trooper approaching Trooper, who was clearly scared and barking. The trooper reassured him gently, saying, “It’s OK, buddy. I don’t blame you.”
The Leon County Humane Society spoke out on social media, calling the dog’s abandonment “completely unacceptable,” as it not only put his life at risk but could also have caused a dangerous situation on an already chaotic evacuation route.
“We can’t fathom the circumstances that led to him being left tied up like that, especially with the approaching storm,” the shelter added, reflecting on how frightened he must have been amidst the chaos.
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Although many people have expressed interest in adopting Trooper, the humane society emphasized he’s not ready for a forever home just yet. “He’s dealing with significant stress and needs time to acclimate,” they explained. “Every rescue dog has a unique journey, and it often takes days or even weeks for them to feel secure again.”
The organization wants to ensure they fully understand Trooper’s needs before considering adoption. For now, he will remain in foster care until he’s ready to start his new chapter.
Meanwhile, the humane society is seeking donations to support their ongoing rescue efforts for animals like Trooper.
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, causing some damage but less than initially feared had it struck at a higher intensity.
As a reminder, the Florida Division of Emergency Management advises residents to prepare a “pet plan” ahead of storms. The agency warns against leaving pets behind during evacuations, noting that pets often can’t fend for themselves. They suggest having a secure place for pets and a portable disaster kit with essential items, including leashes and medications.