When a career-ending injury forced a New York state trooper into early retirement, healing came on four legs — and weighs 134 pounds.

Trooper, a 4-year-old Great Dane, isn’t just a therapy dog. He’s a lifeline.

Named after his owner’s 17 years of service in law enforcement, Trooper now works alongside Tony Hernandez, the former state trooper, to bring comfort and connection to those in need.

“I have PTSD, and this helps me,” Hernandez said. “We get to help other people. Everyone smiles when they see him, and it just changes everybody’s attitude.”

Hernandez said Trooper was born to a breeder in Salem and he brought the pup home at eight weeks, when he weighed 11 pounds.

Now, Trooper makes regular visits through TheraPets of the Roanoke Valley, part of the national Pet Partners organiza

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