The bull terrier who stole hearts after being tied to a fence and abandoned before Hurricane Milton devastated Florida is currently recovering in foster care.
The update was announced Thursday by the Leon County Humane Society. The terrier, now named Trooper after the law enforcement officers who rescued him, is currently being cared for.
“We wanted those following this story to know that he is safe and sound as we have been concerned about him since we saw his story,” the organization said in a Facebook post.
“We also want those watching to know that we take animal abandonment seriously and will be keeping a close eye on his case and using his experience to educate.”
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On Wednesday, officers rescued a bull terrier. (Florida Highway Patrol/Leon County Humane Society via Facebook)
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) released heartbreaking video of a trooper being rescued by an officer on the side of the highway Wednesday as Milton began moving into the area before making landfall as a Category 3 storm with winds up to 120 mph. night.
Bodycam footage shows the officer's perspective as he approaches Trooper and speaks to him gently before removing him from the fence.
“It's okay, buddy. Everything's fine,” the officer said as the frightened bull terrier growled at him. When he was rescued, the soldier was lying up to his feet in flood water.
The Leon County Humane Society said Trooper's handlers are still getting to know and care for the dog because he arrived at the shelter in a state of distress.
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A Florida Highway Patrol trooper rescued a Trooper who was stranded and tied to a pole near the highway on Wednesday. (Leon County Humane Society on Facebook)
“He is incredibly stressed and continues to decompress,” the animal shelter said. “Abandoning such a dog usually does not allow for an immediate return to your happy self.”
“Most rescued dogs take a few days to feel safe, a few weeks to come out of their shell, and a few months to become comfortable and settle into a routine.”
The video caught the attention of Florida's governor. Ron DeSantis, who called out the dog's owners in a social media post.
“It is cruel when someone leaves a dog tied to a pole in the middle of the street coming storm. “Florida will hold accountable anyone who mistreats pets,” DeSantis wrote.
The Leon County Humane Society will put Trooper up for adoption when the dog “is ready,” the organization said. Currently not accepting applications.
On Wednesday, a soldier was found in a large pool of water in Florida. (Florida Highway Patrol)
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“We have no idea what his life was like before he was abandoned,” the humane society explained. “We want to make sure we know exactly what he needs before we even consider adoption, so he will remain in foster care until we are sure he is ready for the next stage of his life and that his future will be kind to him.”
Fox News Digital's Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
