I was driving up 75 when I saw a trooper in the turnout. I quickly checked my speed—everything was good. A few minutes later, I spotted a dog in the ditch by one of the signs for exit 20. She looked in bad shape.
I was in the left lane, heading to an appointment, and felt torn. But something told me I needed to help, so I decided to turn around and head back southbound, risking a ticket by going to the turnout.
When I got there, 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 took off to help. I followed him, and we found her still there, panting heavily like she was on the brink of collapse.
The trooper immediately grabbed his jug, fashioned a makeshift water bowl, and poured a couple of bottles of water for her. The dog was scared of him but too weak to move. At first, she just sniffed the water, but then she realized that this kindness was meant for her. She drank the water down in minutes! The trooper went back and got her some more, along with a Little Debbie snack.
She watched him warily, sniffing his hand but still unsure. Then, he went to his vehicle and brought out a chair and an umbrella. He told me he would stay there until she trusted him, so he could get her to a shelter or take her home himself.
I believe his presence at that moment was one of those little reminders of the goodness still present in our world.
Meet Trooper Tudors of the TN State Highway Patrol—one of the good guys for sure.