Florida says man abandoned his dog before the hurricane. State plans to bring down the hammer.



Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced on Tuesday authorities have found the man who they say was responsible for tying up a dog to a fence and abandoning him as Hurricane Milton was approaching the state last week.

The dog was found near the interstate by Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Orlando Morales. By the time Morales found the dog, now named Trooper, he was standing in a large puddle of water due to the heavy rain. In the video that went viral of the moment Trooper was rescued, the bull terrier was distressed and initially suspicious of Morales.

'State Troopers secured and executed a felony arrest warrant yesterday on Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23.'

"I'm proud to announce the authorities have identified the dog's former owners, and State Attorney Suzy Lopez is now pursing animal cruelty charges against the individual. We said you'd be held accountable, and you will be held accountable," DeSantis said.

— (@)

"Based upon a subsequent criminal investigation, State Troopers secured and executed a felony arrest warrant yesterday on Giovanny Aldama Garcia, 23, of Ruskin, Florida, for aggravated animal cruelty. Our agency is grateful for the unprecedented support of State Attorney Suzy Lopez and her prosecutors, particularly during a state of emergency," said Dave Kerner, executive director of Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

— (@)

"An arrest has been made in this case. Trooper’s former owner is going to be facing aggravated animal cruelty charges. We take this crime very seriously and this defendant will face the consequences of his actions," Lopez said on X.

NewsNation reporter Brian Entin revealed Garcia apparently told law enforcement the reason he abandoned Trooper was because he "couldn’t find anyone to pick the dog up."

Trooper is now receiving care at the Leon County Humane Society in Tallahassee.

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FACT CHECK: Did JD Vance Admit To Having A ‘Rent-A-Dog?’

FACT CHECK: Did JD Vance Admit To Having A ‘Rent-A-Dog?’

A viral video shared on X claims to show 2024 Republican vice presidential nominee and Ohio Sen. JD Vance admit he has a “rent-a-dog.” HOLY CRAP: How weird is it #1: @JDVANCE has a “rent-a-dog”. How weird is it #2: @JDVance admits its a “rent-a-dog” and the dog is to “… make me seem like […]

FACT CHECK: Did Tim Walz Mislead People About His Dog Scout’s Identity?

A viral post shared on X claims that 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz purportedly misled people about his dog Scout’s identity. What the hell? 😩😂 pic.twitter.com/Gzq1F8vcoI — The Feminist Misogynist (@igarglewithfire) August 26, 2024 Verdict: False Multiple pieces of media shared on Walz’s verified Instagram account indicate Scout is a […]

Pro boxer runs 12 miles with injured dog on his back, saving the wounded animal from a vicious mountain goat attack



Professional boxer Tristan Hamm said that he carried his dog about 12 miles to safety after the animal was attacked by a mountain goat.

Hamm, a former pipeline worker and outdoorsman, recently transitioned into professional boxing and has made two high-profile appearances in the ring. His last fight came against former NFL running back Le'Veon Bell in Houston, Texas.

The influencer nicknamed "Mr. Adventure" said he was in the middle of a hike on a foot mountain when his dog was attacked by a mountain goat. He noted that the mountain was 12,000 feet high.

"My dog was attacked by a mountain goat at the top of a 12k foot mountain," Hamm wrote on X.

Hamm then revealed that he picked up the dog and put him on his back before running 12 miles down to the safety of his truck where he tended to the animal's wounds.

"Had to run him down 12 miles back to the truck on my back. Was able to stop the bleeding and staple him shut. He's in good hands and spirits."

'A warning for people who hike with their dogs to get in shape.'

Attached photos then showed the dog with a gaping wound, likely from the gore of the goat. Subsequent pictures showed the wound stapled shut and the thankful dog with bandages over his injury.

Hamm later showed more photos with the dog pictured helping share the load as he carried equipment up to a mountain's summit.

An anonymous account criticized Hamm for taking photos:

"Bros dog got attacked and bro took pics of it for his Twitter," the person wrote.

The hiker rejected the assertion and said that his story should serve as a warning to any hikers who travel with animals.

"Naw, more like a warning for people who hike with their dogs to get in shape so they can save their dog if they have to," Hamm responded.

Hamm started working on oil pipelines when he was 16 years old, which he said provided him with a solid work ethic while maturing him beyond his years.

The boxer also previously told Blaze News that once he started gaining notoriety for his travel videos, he became concerned about places he visited being left in despair after others traveled to the same location.

"I started noticing that when I would go back to certain places I had traveled to, they didn't look like how they were before. So, I've encouraged people to, if they are producing traveling or outdoor content, not reveal or geo-tag their location."

Hamm has done his best to promote conservation wherever in his travels and has continued to take precautions and limit identifying factors whenever posting a video.

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Republican Gov Kristi Noem Justifies Killing Own Dog For Being ‘Untrainable’

'It was not a pleasant job'

Heroic K-9 killed by incarcerated MS-13 members, Virginia Department of Corrections says



A 5-year-old K-9 passed away due to injuries sustained in the line of duty, according to the Virginia Department of Corrections, which reported that Corrections Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields and the dog responded when inmates tied to MS-13 assaulted another prisoner.

The Belgian Malinois named Rivian passed away after being "repeatedly stabbed and kicked," VADOC noted.

"On Tuesday, April 2, three inmates affiliated with the MS-13 gang who are housed at Sussex I State Prison viciously attacked another inmate within one of the facility's housing units. A fourth inmate appeared to be supervising the brutal assault," VADOC noted. "Rivan was violently and repeatedly stabbed and kicked by the inmates and later tragically died at the facility while VADOC staff attempted lifesaving measures.

"Officer Phillip Fields, a trained K-9 handler and 4-year veteran of the Department, sustained no serious injuries due to her training and Rivan's courageous actions. Order was restored by Officer Phillip Fields, responding Corrections Officers, and Rivan's actions. The attacked inmate was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained in the attack and was later returned to the facility," VADOC noted.

The department indicated that that the inmates involved in the assault had been in the country unlawfully when they were arrested.

"The inmates involved in the malicious attack are from El Salvador and Guatemala and at least three are verified members of MS-13. The Department has confirmed that all four of the inmates were in the United States illegally at the time of their arrest and conviction. The inmates are incarcerated for several charges, including first degree homicide, attempted rape, kidnapping/abduction, malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, child pornography charges, grand larceny, and possession of a Schedule III Drug. The Virginia Department of Corrections intends to pursue prosecution of these inmates to the fullest extent of the law," VADOC noted.

The animal would have been 6 years old at the end of this month, according to VADOC, which noted that the dog's "father worked for a police department in Southwest Virginia and his mother worked for the United States Secret Service."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a tweet, "God bless Rivan, a heroic K-9 who was killed in the line of duty in Virginia. These barbaric members of MS-13 will be held accountable."

— (@)

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Angie Harmon says individual delivering groceries fatally shot dog



Actress Angie Harmon, who has acted in shows such as "Rizzoli & Isles" and "Law & Order," noted on social media that an individual delivering groceries fatally shot her dog.

Harmon said that the person had not been scratched or bitten and acknowledged shooting the animal but claimed the act was in self-defense.

"This Easter weekend a man delivering groceries for Instacart shot & killed our precious Oliver. He got out of his car, delivered the food & THEN shot our dog. Our ring camera was charging in the house, which he saw & then knew he wasn't being recorded. The police let him go b/c he claimed 'self defense'. He did not have a scratch or bite on him nor were his pants torn," Harmon wrote in an Instagram post.

"He shot our dog with my daughters & myself at home & just kept saying, 'yeah, I shot your dog. Yeah I did.' We are completely traumatized & beyond devastated at the loss of our beloved boy & family member," she wrote. "He was shopping under a woman’s identity named Merle… the pic is on my story."

A People article last year, which discussed how Harmon took in and cared for a baby squirrel, noted that Harmon had three dogs and two cats.

"We were deeply saddened and disturbed to hear about this incident. We have no tolerance for violence of any kind, and the shopper account was immediately suspended from our platform. We have been in direct contact with the customer and are cooperating with law enforcement on their investigation," an Instacart representative noted in a statement, according to People.

"Upon arrival, officers located and spoke to all involved parties," the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department noted, according to wsoctv.com. "The investigation revealed that a delivery driver arrived at the residence to deliver consumable goods. The driver told officers that a dog attacked him while he was at the residence and that he defended himself by firing a single gunshot, striking and mortally wounding the dog. Another dog was present at the residence but did not attack. No criminal charges have been filed about this incident, and CMPD is not currently seeking any additional parties."

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Dog reunited with owners 10 years after running away, Humane Society of Tampa Bay says



The Humane Society of Tampa Bay reported reuniting a 14-year-old dog with its owners a decade after the canine ran away, a happy ending made possible thanks to a microchip.

"When 14-year-old Cockapoo showed up at HSTB as a stray we were hoping for a happy ending and for her to be reunited with her owners but we did not foresee the joy that her story brought! Her microchip led the team to Luisa who was in disbelief when we called, because Cleo (as we learned was her name), had run away TEN YEARS AGO! They never lost hope and continued to update her microchip in the small hope that they would be reunited, even after they moved to Miami! They drove up Saturday to reclaim her and we couldn't be happier for them," the organization noted in a Facebook post. "This shows the power and importance of the microchip and never losing hope."

Someone left a comment on the post, wondering about the possibility that the dog could potentially have found a new home during the 10-year period.

"Although I am happy she was reunited with her og owners, I also wonder if she was with another family for those 10 years? She must miss any other family she has lived with and they must miss her. Then again they never took her to see if she had a chip. So there's a lot of things and emotions at play. But I hope she lives out the rest of her years very happy, healthy and safe!" the person wrote.

But the Humane Society of Tampa Bay noted, "We totally understand that and Luisa did also! She even told us after the original call that if the family who has had her in the last ten years calls to claim her, even though it would make her sad, she would let them take her! But no one else tried to claim sweet Cleo."

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Dog helps save elderly owner who fell through the ice: 'Better give the dog a ribeye'



A 65-year-old man walking his dog across a frozen lake Thursday in East Bay Township, Michigan, fell through the ice and into the frigid depths below. Shoreside witnesses called 911, prompting a rapid response by Michigan State Police officer Kammeron Bennetts.

While quick to the scene, Bennetts, 30, still had to figure out how to mount a rescue without similarly ending up trapped on the wrong side of the lake. Fortunately, the waterlogged man's Brittany bird-hunting dog was more than willing to help.

Bodycam footage shows a bystander point out a dog-shadowed gap on Arbutus Lake where the Traverse City man went under. The officer grabs a rescue disc from his cruiser, fastens a rope to it, then heads out onto the ice.

Although able to venture roughly 40 feet away from shore, Bennetts nevertheless falls short of the man's position due to his uncertainty about the solidity of the ice ahead. The officer tosses the rescue disc to the man. While unsuccessful, the initial attempt excites the dog, giving Bennetts an idea.

"You revert to the tools in front of you. I only had a dog in front of me, so use the dog," Bennetts later told People. "I saw she was ready to go to work."

"Send your pup here. Will she come to me?" Bennetts can be heard yelling to the man steeped in freezing water.

The man indicates the dog's name is Ruby.

"Ruby, come here! Come here, Ruby!" yells the officer.

After some whistling and another summons, the dog comes bolting over to Bennetts.

"Will she get ahold of this?" asks the officer, coiling the rope. Ruby quickly indicates she's ready to do that and more.

After fastening the disc and rope to Ruby's collar, Bennetts yells, "Call her! Call her!"

Bennetts, who has been on the force for two years, later indicated, "Within a minute your dexterity in your fingers goes, you lose speech, you lose everything."

Although ultimately in the water for 16 minutes, the Traverse City man nevertheless manages to call Ruby. The dog brings the disc over to her master. With a direct line to the man, Bennetts tells him to take the disc and begin kicking his legs.

The MSP officer begins pulling the man to shore with Ruby providing emotional support. A firefighter from Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department soon leaps into action, joining Bennetts in the rescue.

After the incident, the officer suggested to the Traverse City man, "You better give the dog a ribeye."

According to the MSP, the man was transported by ambulance to Munson Medical Center and later released.

The MSP Seventh District stated on X, "Great team work and well done!"

The MSP Sixth District noted, "What a good girl!!! ... Creative thinking helped save a life!!!"

— (@)

Michigan State Police Lt. Derrick Carroll told People, "Everyone is impressed by [Bennetts'] ability to take control of the situation and his ability to think outside the box to rescue the man in such a timely manner."

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Kate Micucci announces that she underwent lung cancer surgery



Kate Micucci announced in a video on social media that she has undergone lung cancer surgery.

In her announcement, she quipped that her video was "a sick tok," rather than a TikTok. She noted that she has never smoked cigarettes.

In response to someone who commented on her post, Micucci explained, "I had one thing in my bloodwork that came back really high. So I went to a preventative doc who did a few scans." She noted that a heart scan is "where the spot in my lung was noticed."

According to IMDb, Micucci acted in multiple episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" and in one episode of "Psych." She has also done voice acting, including serving as the voice for the character Velma in "Scooby-Doo!" content.

In addition to acting, Micucci has also created art and music.

"I found a lost dog while I was walking to school. And that inspired the first song I ever wrote. Brandy, Lost Dog in the City. It's on my album MY HAT! I love you Brandy!" Micucci wrote when sharing a video in which she performed the song.

@katiemicucci

I found a lost dog as I was walking to school. Her tag said BRANDY. This song is on my album My Hat! I love you Brandy. ❤️ 🐶 #lostdog #fyp #foryoupage #katemicucci #firstsong #fypシ゚viral #dog



In the description on YouTube of another song titled "You Got a Bike," Micucci noted, "I wrote this Christmas song while loopy on painkillers after getting 5 wisdom teeth out. Unlike my teeth, this song will get stuck in your head. Sing along!"

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