As I was driving along Interstate 75, I noticed a state trooper parked in a turnout, but a quick check of my speed reassured me that I was in the clear. Moments later, however, my attention was drawn to a distressed dog lying in the ditch near the exit 20 sign. Torn between my commitment to an appointment and a sense of urgency for the animal’s welfare, I made the decision to turn around and head southbound, fully aware that I might face a ticket for doing so.
To my relief, when I arrived back at the turnout, the trooper was still there. He rolled down his window and acknowledged me with a friendly “Yep! I’m here.” I quickly explained the situation regarding the dog and expressed my willingness to accept a ticket if it meant I could help her. The trooper simply asked where the dog was and promptly set off to find her. We soon discovered her still in the same spot, panting heavily and clearly in distress.
The trooper sprang into action, pouring out his water jug to create a makeshift bowl for the frightened dog. As she cautiously approached, she sniffed at the water before realizing it was meant for her; she drank eagerly. The trooper didn’t stop there—he fetched more water and even offered her a Little Debbie snack. Despite her initial wariness, she slowly began to trust him. Demonstrating patience and kindness, he retrieved a chair and an umbrella, vowing to stay by her side until she felt safe enough to be taken to a shelter or even adopted. This encounter with Trooper Tudors of the Tennessee State Highway Patrol is indeed a reminder of the goodness that exists in our world when we least expect it.