This week, hearts across the nation went out to a poor dog who was abandoned, tied to a pole, and left in the path of a looming hurricane. Though some details about his situation remain unclear, the important thing is that he’s now in caring hands and even has a new, fitting name.

On the morning of October 9, Florida Highway Patrol troopers in Tampa came across a distressing sight: a dog tethered to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The dog was tied up by his collar, standing with his legs submerged in rising water.

As the troopers approached, the frightened dog growled at them. One trooper gently reassured him, saying, “I don’t blame you. It’s okay, buddy.” The situation was made even more dire because the dog had been left there just as a powerful hurricane was approaching Florida—a storm that caused widespread destruction and claimed at least 16 lives. Had the troopers not intervened, there’s little doubt the dog would have perished.

The story touched many people across the country. While there’s a collective outcry for justice against whoever abandoned the dog, there’s also immense gratitude toward the troopers who saved him. Even Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took notice of the case.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles later confirmed that the dog is “safe and receiving care.” After being examined for any injuries, he was given a clean bill of health. However, questions linger about who left him tied up and whether he had a previous owner or was a stray.

What we do know is that the dog is now safe at the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee. “We wanted to let those who have been following this story know that he is safe and sound,” the organization shared on Facebook.

“Leaving this dog in this way was completely unacceptable and endangered not only his life but could have endangered others by causing a hazard on an already busy and stressful evacuation route,” the Humane Society stated. “It was cruel and thoughtless—not only toward him but also toward the people trying their best to handle the incoming storm.”

They continued, “We can’t imagine the situation that ended with him tied to this pole and left him without any hope. It’s hard even to think about how scared he must have been as cars raced by, the water rose to his belly, and the storm clouds darkened.”

The Humane Society also announced the dog’s new name: “His name is Trooper, because of how much he’s been through and to honor those who saved him.”

Trooper was initially taken to the Hillsborough Pet Resource Center, where it was discovered he didn’t have a microchip. Some people on social media mistakenly believed he had been returned to his original owners because he was picked up by the same trooper who brought him in.

While many have expressed interest in adopting Trooper, the Humane Society emphasized that he is still recovering from his traumatic experience and may not be ready for adoption for some time.

“He’s incredibly stressed and still decompressing,” they noted. “Abandoning a dog like this doesn’t typically allow for an immediate bounce back to their happy selves. Most dogs, when rescued, take a few days to feel safe, a few weeks to come out of their shell, and a few months to become comfortable and fall into a routine.”

The shelter promised to provide updates when Trooper is ready for adoption. In the meantime, he’s safe and being cared for in a foster home.

“We have absolutely no idea what his life looked like before he was abandoned,” the Humane Society wrote. “We want to be sure that we know exactly what he needs before even considering adoption, so he’ll be in foster care until we feel confident he’s ready for the next phase of life and that his future will be kind to him.”

It’s heartbreaking to think that this sweet dog was left to fend for himself in such dangerous conditions. But thanks to the kindness of strangers and the dedication of rescuers, Trooper is now safe. Here’s hoping he finds a loving home where he can start a new chapter in his life.

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FHP Troopers rescued a dog left tied to a pole on I-75 near Bruce B Downs Blvd this morning. Do NOT do this to your pets please… pic.twitter.com/8cZJOfkJL2

— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) October 9, 2024