Giovanny Aldama Garcia of Ruskin, Florida, left people stunned after he admitted to leaving his dog tied to a pole along a busy highway while evacuating to Georgia ahead of Hurricane Milton. The abandoned dog, now named Trooper, was found in the nick of time by a state trooper as floodwaters were rising around him. This heart-wrenching incident has sparked outrage and criminal charges against Garcia, highlighting the importance of pet care during emergencies.
Trooper’s Harrowing Rescue on a Highway
When Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper Orlando Morales got a tip about a dog stranded near Interstate 75 in Tampa, he rushed to the spot. The rescue, captured on body cam, shows Trooper barking nervously at Morales, with water creeping up around his little paws. Thankfully, Morales managed to unchain the dog just hours before Hurricane Milton crashed ashore as a powerful Category 3 storm. Trooper was wet, scared, and barking, but alive—earning his new name and a hero’s welcome.
Owner’s Admission Shocks Investigators

Garcia’s excuse left officials shaking their heads. He told investigators that he couldn’t find anyone to take the dog, so he chained him up and left. Leaving behind a dog while rushing for personal safety didn’t sit well with the community or law enforcement. Garcia later tried to claim the dog at an animal shelter by showing photos, but by then, Trooper was in safer hands, and officials were already building a case against him.
Facing the Consequences of Abandonment
State Attorney Suzy Lopez didn’t hold back at the press conference. She made it clear that animal cruelty isn’t tolerated in Hillsborough County—not on her watch and certainly not during a life-threatening hurricane. Garcia is now charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony in Florida. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. “We protect the vulnerable,” Lopez said, “and that includes four-legged friends.”
Florida Leaders Speak Out
Governor Ron DeSantis weighed in, saying Trooper’s abandonment was “totally unacceptable.” He emphasized the need for accountability, remarking, “This is not how we treat animals in Florida.” DeSantis thanked the trooper for his quick response and reminded residents that the state takes animal welfare seriously, even amid natural disasters. It was a stern reminder that negligence, especially during emergencies, won’t be tolerated.
A New Beginning for Trooper

Trooper has since moved to the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee, where he’ll be fostered until he’s ready for adoption. The shelter mentioned on Facebook that Trooper needs time to recover from the trauma and adjust to his new environment. One thing is for sure: Trooper’s days of being left behind are over. He won’t be returning to Garcia, and with a bit of love, this resilient pup will soon find a forever home.
Officials Warn: Never Leave Pets Behind in a Storm
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has a firm message for pet owners—plan for your animals, or stay behind with them. “Pets can’t survive on their own during disasters,” the division warned. They also reminded residents that pets left behind might be lost or harmed, making it essential to include furry companions in evacuation plans. With hurricanes becoming more frequent, preparedness is the only way forward.
The Lesson to Be Learned
This story of abandonment, rescue, and accountability offers an important takeaway: Pets are family, not throwaway possessions. When storms hit, everyone—humans and animals alike—deserves protection. Thanks to a quick-thinking trooper and a determined legal system, Trooper’s life was saved, and his abuser will face justice. As one Facebook commenter cheekily put it, “Leaving a dog behind during a hurricane? That’s not just careless—it’s barking mad.”
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