Hurricane Milton’s viral dog, who was left tied to a fence during the flood by his owner, is no longer up for adoption after settling in with a new foster family… but the local Humane Society hopes this doesn’t crush interest in other rescues.
Katie Stryker of Leon County Humane Society tells TMZ … Trooper, who was renamed after being rescued, is no longer accepting adoption applications … as his foster home will have the opportunity to adopt the pup.
Even if the adoptive family decides not to move forward with the adoption, Katie says the “perfect home” will be in Trooper’s future.
Trooper’s original owner, who allegedly abandoned the dog on the side of a highway in chest-deep water as the recent hurricane hit Tampa, was arrested this week and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
There have already been hundreds of inquiries and candidates with breed experience who have already come in looking for the dog… so there is no need to keep the application open.
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
@FHPTampa
Although Trooper’s story went viral, Katie says it hasn’t inspired potential adopters to look for other rescues to take home.
In short, Trooper’s story didn’t translate into an immediate increase in adoption… which is why Katie is encouraging anyone moved by the situation to adopt from a shelter.
Katie’s bottom line is clear… there are over 3 million dogs in shelters across the country, all of whom deserve a loving home just as much as Trooper does.
Remember: adopt, don’t buy, people!!!