I was driving north on Highway 75 when I noticed a trooper parked in a turnout. I glanced at my speedometer to make sure I was within the limit—everything was fine. A few minutes later, as I passed one of the signs for Exit 20, I spotted a dog lying in the ditch. She looked like she was in terrible condition.
I was in the left lane, on my way to an appointment, and felt conflicted. But something inside me urged me to act, so I made the decision to turn around and head back southbound, even though I knew I might risk getting a ticket by pulling into the turnout.
When I arrived, the trooper was still there. Relieved, I rolled down my window, and he greeted me with, “Yep! I’m here.” I quickly explained about the dog, adding that I didn’t care if I got a ticket—I just wanted to help her.
Without hesitation, he asked where the dog was and immediately went to assist. I followed him, and we found her still in the ditch, panting heavily, as if she were on the verge of collapsing.
The trooper grabbed a jug from his vehicle, fashioned a makeshift water bowl, and poured her a couple of bottles of water. The dog was wary of him but too exhausted to move. At first, she just sniffed the water, but then she seemed to realize it was meant for her. She drank it all in minutes! The trooper went back to his car and brought her more water, along with a Little Debbie snack.
She watched him cautiously, sniffing his hand but still unsure. Then, he went to his vehicle and returned with a chair and an umbrella. He told me he would stay there until she trusted him enough so he could take her to a shelter or bring her home himself.
In that moment, his presence felt like a small but powerful reminder of the goodness that still exists in the world.