Pet of the Month: Trooper the Bull Terrier’s Journey to Recovery
Facing Challenges and Triumphs
In a shocking turn of events, a dog found tied to a fence during Hurricane Milton, Trooper the bull terrier, underwent emergency surgery to remove metal, plastic, and rubber from his belly. This is a follow-up to his incredible story, which gained national attention after he was abandoned and left to face the storm alone.
A Second Scare and a New Challenge
As Trooper and his owner, Frank Spina, deal with a second scare, the dog’s health concerns resurfaced. Frank explained, “Yeah, he’s great, he’s the best.” However, Trooper’s journey to a happy ending was not without its speed bumps.
A Cancerous Diagnosis and a Bumpy Road to Recovery
Trooper was diagnosed with two dime-sized bumps on his left flank, which turned out to be cancerous. The bumps were successfully removed, but a peculiar X-ray caught the attention of his veterinarian, Dr. Randy Dominguez, and Dr. Javier Gonzalez. They rushed Trooper into surgery to investigate further.
A Surprising Discovery
During the surgery, the veterinarian discovered a shocking sight: pieces of rubber, plastic, and metal inside Trooper’s stomach. The surgeon spent four and a half hours removing the foreign objects, piece by piece.
A Frightening Reality
Frank believes that Trooper was so starved, he was forced to eat anything he could find, leading to the accumulation of these objects in his stomach. “I’m just fed up now. It’s one thing to tie him on the side of the road. It’s actually horrible, horrendous; I’m just fed up now,” Frank expressed.
A Happy Ending
Despite the challenges, Trooper appears to be in good spirits, living the life every dog deserves. “He’s great. He needed to go somewhere where he knew people loved him and knew they were going to take care of him, and he’s going to be safe, and it’s going to be right here,” Frank said.
The Future of Animal Protection
Frank and his wife, Carla, are planning to advocate for a bill, named in honor of Trooper, that would make it a crime to leave behind a restrained dog when a natural disaster is approaching. The bill will be presented in March.
Conclusion
Trooper’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the resilience of animals and the importance of animal protection. As we continue to follow his journey, we are reminded of the impact that even one person can have on the life of another. Join our newsletter to stay updated on the latest news and stories like Trooper’s.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Trooper the bull terrier?
A: Trooper was found tied to a fence during Hurricane Milton and was later adopted by Frank and Carla Spina.
Q: What was wrong with Trooper’s health?
A: Trooper was diagnosed with cancerous tumors on his left flank and had pieces of rubber, plastic, and metal inside his stomach.
Q: What is being done to ensure the safety of animals during natural disasters?
A: Frank and his wife, Carla, are advocating for a bill that would make it a crime to leave behind a restrained dog when a natural disaster is approaching.
