(AP) – A pit bull-mix puppy that was dragged down Interstate 55 near St. Louis while tied to pickup truck is now up for adoption.

The dog, named Trooper, needed dozens of surgeries after he nearly died while being dragged down the highway for nearly a mile in November 2012.

The Humane Society of Missouri announced Wednesday it is accepting only online applications to adopt Trooper. It will take applications through Nov. 17.

Benetta Johnson of East St. Louis, Ill., was sentenced to probation and community service after being found guilty in April of misdemeanor animal abuse.

Authorities said when she tried to return the dog to her ex-husband, her son tied the puppy to a trailer hitch. Johnson’s ex-husband didn’t see the dog and drove down the interstate.