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Soldier, Dog Abandoned During Hurricane Milton Adapts to Spotlight, Foster Family

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Soldier, Dog Abandoned During Hurricane Milton Adapts to Spotlight, Foster Family

Through social media, many witnessed and experienced the grief of a dog now known as “Soldier” who was found by a Florida Highway Patrol officer tied to a fence on the side of Interstate 75 as Hurricane Milton barreled toward the state.

The five-year-old bull terrier won the hearts of both near and far. The dog has since made national headlines.

An abandoned dog, now renamed Soldier, became famous on social media after he was seen tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached. Here he is playing with his new foster child in his temporary home.An abandoned dog, now renamed Soldier, became famous on social media after he was seen tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached. Here he is playing with his new foster child in his temporary home.

An abandoned dog, now renamed Soldier, became famous on social media after he was seen tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached. Here he is playing with his new foster child in his temporary home.

Now for the good news: Trooper has a new start at a foster home that will help him recover by providing him with an outdoor yard where he can play and cuddle all day. And Trooper’s fans have helped spark a new wave of donations to the Leon County Humane Society, which initially adopted him.

For the uninitiated, here’s Trooper’s story in a nutshell:

Who is a soldier?

The trooper was found up to his stomach in standing water on the side of I-75 in Tampa as the fearsome Category 4 Milton approached.

The video of the rescue was filmed by soldier Orlando Morales. He received a tip from another driver who was driving on the interstate and spotted the animal.

This video was later published on social networks. Outrage grew when the minute-long clip was circulated on October 9.

Who was the owner of Trooper? Where is he now?

Trooper’s previous owner, Giovanni Aldama Garcia, was identified on October 15 and will appear in court for aggravated cruelty to animals.

According to a press release from State’s Attorney Susie Lopez’s office, Garcia admitted leaving the dog, which he named “Jumbo,” while driving from Tampa to Georgia to flee Milton “because he couldn’t find anyone to take the dog.” . “According to Lopez.

Garcia could face up to five years in prison for the third-degree felony.

An abandoned dog, now renamed Soldier, became famous on social media after he was seen tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached. Here he is playing with his new foster child in his temporary home.An abandoned dog, now renamed Soldier, became famous on social media after he was seen tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached. Here he is playing with his new foster child in his temporary home.

An abandoned dog, now renamed Soldier, became famous on social media after he was seen tied to a fence as Hurricane Milton approached. Here he is playing with his new foster child in his temporary home.

Where is Trooper now?

Trooper was initially adopted by the Leon County Humane Society on Oct. 9 after receiving a call from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office.

According to the shelter’s website, Trouper is now living in a loving transitional home who has experience with his breed, the organization said.

Is it possible to adopt a Soldier?

The trooper is still on the road to recovery, adjusting to the spotlight and making room in his heart to receive all the love he has received.

The soldier is not currently available for adoption. But there are many more four-legged friends available at the Leon County Humane Society, which has online adoption applications for those interested in becoming a pet owner.

How can I help other dogs with similar stories?

Soldier’s attention brought attention to other dogs with similar stories who also needed help. The Leon County Humane Society asks people to visit their Facebook and website to stay up to date. People can donate, volunteer and help.

The organization even released T-shirts that read, “Tell Them A Soldier Sent You,” to begin “your personal animal rescue journey.” Proceeds will go towards rescue, rehabilitation and education.

For more information

∎ To make a donation, click Here.

∎ To contribute, click Here.

∎ To get a T-shirt, click Here.

Kayla Sanford, Tallahassee Democratic reporter, can be reached at: [email protected].

This article originally appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat: Soldier, a dog abandoned during a hurricane, adapts to a foster family