In brief
After being left tied to a post in floodwaters before Hurricane Milton, Trooper's rescue story has captivated millions, sparking widespread condemnation and overwhelming adoption interest.
A man identified as Giovanny Aldama Garcia has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after allegedly abandoning his dog, then known as Jumbo, in rising floodwaters prior to Hurricane Milton's landfall in Florida. The dog, now affectionately called Trooper, was saved by the Florida Highway Patrol on October 9, after being discovered submerged in water near a highway. The dramatic rescue was captured on bodycam footage, amassing over 12 million views online. Garcia reportedly admitted he left Jumbo due to his own evacuation without an alternative for the dog's care. Attempting to reclaim Trooper later from an animal shelter, he consented to relinquishing custody under pressure. Facing up to five years in prison if found guilty, Garcia's actions have been condemned statewide, including by Governor Ron DeSantis, who labeled the act as "totally unacceptable." Trooper, now a symbol of resilience, is at the center of a growing adoption interest spearheaded by the Leon County Humane Society. Described by State Attorney Suzy Lopez as having "touched the hearts of a lot of people," the dog has avoided a "sure death" and inspired a collective response. As Florida recovers from Hurricane Milton, which claimed at least 24 lives and caused widespread devastation, Trooper's story serves as a hopeful counterpoint, promising a brighter future for a once-neglected friend.
