Trooper, the bull terrier found tethered to a Florida fence in chest-deep water while Hurricane Milton approached, is now living his best life in a home with a family who adores him. He even has a new canine sister to play and cuddle with.
We thank the more than 38,000 people who signed the petition demanding justice for the sweet dog. While Trooper gets his happy ever after, his former guardian, Giovanny Aldama Garcia, is charged with aggravated animal cruelty and faces up to five years in prison, local news reported.
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales found the terrified dog after another driver reported seeing him and set about trying to calm the understandably scared and stressed dog.
“I was kinda enraged at some point,” Morales told CBS News. “How could anybody just possibly even think of doing an act like this, it was just awful.”
Morales took Trooper to the vet, where an examination determined that physically, he was fine. Two days later, Garcia arrived at the Hillsborough County animal shelter, trying to claim Trooper, unaware that the dog was actually at the Leon County Humane Society (LCHS). Ultimately, he agreed to relinquish Trooper to a foster family.
While Trooper recovered from his trauma with his new foster mom, hundreds of applications came in from people wanting to adopt Trooper. However, the Leon County Humane Society had one requirement for Trooper’s new family.
“I don’t always say people have to have breed experience, but in that particular dog, I think it’s important,” LCHS’s Amy Raddar said.
Luckily, a couple 400 miles away with 33 years of bull terrier experience had heard about Trooper, so Frank and Carla Spina drove seven hours to meet him. LCHS had doubts because of Trooper’s cautiousness around men, but their worries dissolved when they saw Frank and Trooper together.
“When we got there, they let him loose, and Amy [Raddar] said, ‘Frank, why don’t you sit on that bench and see what happens,'” Frank Spina said.”He came over and got under my legs, and I started scratching his neck, and his foot started moving, and she said, ‘Perfect match.'”
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Trooper quickly got comfortable in his new home, bringing joy to his new family. He’s bonded with his canine sister, Dallas, and enjoys many belly rubs, filling the house with happiness.
Lady Freethinker commends the Spinas, the Leon County Humane Society, Trooper’s foster family, and all the supporters who helped Trooper realize what it means to be happy and loved.
While Trooper has found his forever home, many more animals are waiting in shelters for their happily ever after. If you’re looking to add a companion animal to your family, remember to visit your local shelter or rescue group where you’re sure to find your new best friend!
