We have a cheer for everyone who helped Trooper find a home. You may remember seeing the gut-wrenching video shared in October of a bull terrier named Trooper tied up to a fence in chest high water—abandoned by his pitiless owner—in the midst of Hurricane Milton.

Well, it appears this case of pet abandonment has a rare happy ending. Not only is Trooper’s tormentor facing arraignment this week for an aggravated cruelty to animals charge (a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison), but Trooper has also found his forever home.

Trooper was adopted by Frank and Carla Spina, whose hearts were broken upon seeing the video.

When he was rescued by a state trooper, Trooper (the dog) was sent to a foster home in Tallahassee, where his condition was closely monitored.

After a few weeks, he was put up for adoption—an opportunity the Spina’s didn’t balk at. The couple attached a three-page letter professing their love for bull terriers and their longing to help Trooper.

The rescue initially had some concerns. Trooper’s abuser was a man, after all, and Trooper hadn’t been responding well to men since being rescued.

Frank Spina didn’t see this as a dealbreaker and wanted to meet Trooper for himself. The couple brought their own bull terrier, a sweet girl named Dallas, and the two hit it off instantly.

The Leon County Humane Society said, “in other meetings, Trooper would normally be visibly on edge and uncomfortable, but with Frank and Carla, Trooper seemed immediately at ease.”

The director, Lisa Glunt even included that Trooper had made his own decision. “Within a few minutes, he was actually choosing Frank more than any of us.”

We’re so grateful to hear that Trooper is feeling right at home with other bull terriers. At just three years old, Trooper has a new lease on life.

“He’s funny, he’s lovable,” Carla Spina told WXTL Tallahassee. She and Frank hope the story inspires others to rescue an animal in need.

(Photo Credit: Tallahassee Democrat)