Dog nearly dragged to death last November on a Missouri Interstate finds his forever home in time for the holidays

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Trooper, the renowned puppy who was rescued and treated by the Humane Society of Missouri after being nearly dragged to death behind a pickup truck on Missouri Interstate 55 last November, is finally healed and going to a forever home - just in time for the holidays. Trooper's story has resonated around the world, capturing hearts and providing inspiration. He has more than 17,000 Team Trooper Facebook fans across the globe. Now, following seven surgeries, numerous advanced laser therapy treatments, extensive rehab, training, social activity and foster care provided by Humane Society of Missouri veterinarians and care-givers, Trooper is being adopted.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131220/CG36968-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131220/CG36968-b)

The Humane Society of Missouri selected a St. Louis metropolitan area man as Trooper's new owner. Greg, who prefers to use his first name only for privacy reasons, is an experienced dog owner who recently lost his pit-bull after years of companionship. He works from a home office and is able to spend quality time with Trooper and ensure that he receives ongoing medical care from Humane Society of Missouri veterinarians. He is thrilled to bring Trooper into his life.

"Trooper truly has become an ambassador for abused and neglected animals everywhere," said Kathy Warnick, president, Humane Society of Missouri. "He's a shining example of what an indomitable spirit coupled with an excellent team of rescuers, shelter and veterinary care and adoption staff can overcome."

Warnick continued, "Narrowing down the list of applicants wanting to adopt Trooper was not an easy task.  Greg is a perfect fit based on Trooper's needs and we are ecstatic to have found Trooper his forever home!"

Trooper has received love, support, gifts and care packages from soldiers, schoolchildren and animal lovers everywhere, as well as worldwide media attention. The lessons Trooper learned on his road to recovery are told in a recently published children's book called "Trooper's Triumphs." Proceeds from the book go to help stop animal abuse.

In April 2013, Benetta Johnson was found guilty of misdemeanor animal abuse in a bench trial in the case involving Trooper. Johnson, of East St. Louis, Ill., was sentenced to two years of probation and 150 hours of community service. She also was banned from caring for or owning pets for the next two years and was ordered to donate $250 to the Humane Society of Missouri and take an animal care class.

"The rescue and rehabilitation of Trooper, and other animals like him, is solely made possible through generous donations from the public," said Kathy Warnick, president, Humane Society of Missouri. "These donations make it possible for the Humane Society of Missouri to help more than 75,000 homeless, abused and unwanted animals each year."

The Humane Society of Missouri provides services and programs without local, state or federal tax support, nor United Way funding. To make a donation to help homeless, abused and neglected animals visit www.hsmo.org.

About the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force
The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) is one of the largest animal rescue/disaster response teams in the United States. For more than 40 years, HSMO's ACT has worked side by side with state, local and city law enforcement officials to investigate and help prosecute animal abusers.

SOURCE Humane Society of Missouri