Photo: csfotoimages / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
Tampa, FL - A dog found abandoned and tied to a fence in rising floodwaters as Hurricane Milton approached Tampa is now in foster care.
The white bull terrier, initially discovered by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, has been renamed "Trooper" and is now in foster care.
Trooper was originally found tied to a fence post on Wednesday, soaked and distressed.
Despite the initial growls and barks directed at the trooper, the officer secured the dog's safety.
After receiving veterinary care, Trooper was deemed healthy.
The Leon County Humane Society took Trooper in, and thanks to social media buzz, combined with a call from the governor's office, led to a foster placement for the dog.
The Leon County Humane Society posted on Facebook "Thank you to everyone who left a kind comment. Last night, at 9:00 p.m., our Dog Coordinator got a call from the Govenor's office and left her home to go pick him up from Emergency Management Services. He did stop into Hillsborough Pet Resource Center, but he was not chipped and was not reunited. We did not speak with the shelter, but with the transport system that arranged a safe spot for him, contacted us, and drove him to Tallahassee. He's been in foster care ever since. We even got a few smiles this afternoon ❤ In the end, the only thing that matters to us is that he's safe, the rest can wait. Welcome to Tallahassee Trooper!"
The Leon County Human Society says Trooper isn't ready for permanent adoption yet.
However, those interested in supporting animals like Trooper can make donations to the Leon County Human Society through their website: www.leoncountyhumane.org/donate.