Hurricane Milton shattered many homes and lives — but one story that stood out in particular is that of Trooper, a young bull terrier. Trooper was left tied to a fence and thought to be dead amidst the horrific hurricane. Fortunately, Trooper is alive and has found a place he can call his forever home, and justice is waiting to be served as his previous owner is facing charges for abandoning him.
Trooper’s new loving home
Trooper’s new owners are Frank and Carla Spina, a couple who have been caring for bull terriers for over three decades. The Spinas said that their hearts were broken when they heard about his tragic story, and they wanted to get to him and adopt him.
More about the Spinas
Following the violent storm that took 32 lives in its wake, The Spinas set their mind to adopting Trooper. Frank Spina spoke to Fox 13 Tampa and told them, “We both looked at the video, and being bull terrier owners for 30 years, this is our 34th year of only raising that breed.”
How Trooper was found
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper found the terrified bull terrier tied to a fence along I-75 in Tampa when the storm was on its way over there. The officer trudged across the soggy field and rescued Trooper just in time.
Trooper’s journey before the Spinas
After receiving a phone call from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office, the Leon County Humane Society sent the rescued bull terrier to a foster home in Tallahassee. The Spinas closely monitored Trooper and his health and status during that time.
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The applications for Trooper’s adoption
Weeks later, the applications for sweet Trooper’s adoption opened and the Spinas didn’t hesitate and rushed to apply. The Spinas wrote a two-page letter expressing their undying love for the breed and how they wanted Trooper to join their family.
The shelter’s concern
The Tallahassee shelter had concerns about the Spinas adopting Trooper as he is traumatized by men due to his previous owner being a male. Trooper hadn’t been responding well around men ever since his rescue, but Frank shrugged it off due to his expertise with bull terriers.
The Spinas’ dedication
Frank recounted to Fox 13 Tampa how he had to prove to the shelter that he and Carla were the perfect fit for Trooper. “I said, ‘If we come get them on Friday, on Sunday, we’ll be sitting on the couch watching television.’ And they were like, ‘No way,’” he told the outlet.
Love at first sight
When the Spinas and Trooper met, the shelter witnessed love at first sight. The Leon County Humane Society could even see that “it was a perfect match.” Additionally, a shelter worker even told Frank that they were “a match made in heaven.”
The Spinas got themselves a pair
The Spinas got the seal of approval to adopt Trooper, and they didn’t stop at this, they also adopted a female bull terrier called Dallas. The pair hit it off instantly, which left their new owners on cloud nine.
The former owner got his Karma
Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, was arrested on October 15. He has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, which is a third-degree felony. He admitted to leaving the bull terrier, he called him Jumbo, as he headed towards Georgia ahead of the storm. DeSantis deemed Garcia’s actions “unacceptable” as he fled, leaving the dog behind.