TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The dog that was found tied to a fence on a Florida highway during evacuations ahead of Hurricane Milton is rehabilitating at an animal rescue facility in Tallahassee — and it has a new name.
The dog was initially spotted by a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) on Wednesday, along a section of Interstate 75 near Tampa.
Video taken by the trooper showed the dog, unable to move from the fence, standing in a pool of water that had already risen up to its belly.
The story made national headlines, sparking concern among pet-lovers over the well-being of the animal. In response, a representative from the Leon County Humane Society has since confirmed the dog is safe at its facility.
The facility also revealed the dog’s new name.
“His name is Trooper, because of how much he’s been through and to honor those who saved him.”