A remarkable story of resilience has emerged from Florida, where a dog named Trooper, who was cruelly abandoned during Hurricane Milton, has not only found a loving home but has also triumphed over cancer just months after his rescue.
Trooper, a white bull terrier, was discovered tied to a fence and left to die as floodwaters rose near Interstate 75 in Tampa, Florida. This heart-wrenching scene unfolded just before Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, made landfall in October. The Florida Highway Patrol came to Trooper’s aid, rescuing him from the dire situation and bringing him to safety.
Following his rescue, Trooper was adopted by Frank and Karla Spina, who welcomed him into their family. However, just two weeks into his new life, the Spinas noticed dime-sized lumps on his side. “The doctor immediately said, ‘Oh no, these are mass cell tumors. These are cancer.’ So we were in a complete meltdown,” Frank Spina recounted.
A life-saving surgery
Veterinarians successfully removed the tumors, but soon after, they discovered another alarming issue: Trooper had ingested a freezer bag containing over two pounds of garbage. “It’s a combination of about 110 or 120 pieces of garbage,” Frank explained. The situation necessitated a life-saving surgery that lasted more than four hours to remove both metal and rubber from Trooper’s stomach.
“Could you imagine how starved he had to be to ingest a piece of metal or pieces of rubber that are the size of quarters?” Frank lamented. Tragically, this distressing behavior was indicative of Trooper’s previous neglect.
The dog’s former owner, 23-year-old Giovanny Garcia, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony. Garcia allegedly abandoned Trooper because he “couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up.” His next court hearing is scheduled for March.
In the aftermath of Trooper’s rescue and subsequent surgeries, the Leon County Humane Society reported an overwhelming response from potential adopters. However, the organization ultimately chose Frank and Karla Spina due to their extensive experience with bull terriers spanning over three decades. The couple also has another dog named Dallas. “We don’t have children. These are our children,” Frank Spina proudly stated about his beloved pets. Today, Trooper is thriving in his forever home, showcasing the incredible spirit of survival and love that defines this brave dog’s journey from abandonment to belonging.
