Community reunites veteran with his dog after he suffered a heat-related illness
LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) - Community in Las Vegas sprung into action to help a veteran who lost nearly everything this summer.
When 16-year veteran Brian suffered from a heat-related illness, he was taken to the hospital, his car was towed, and his dog was taken to the animal shelter.
and his dog, Buster, had been together for five years when they were ripped apart in a matter of minutes.
“I was going crazy. Completely. I was thinking he was gone forever,” said.
was on his way to California from Colorado and decided to stop at Lake Mead to rest for a couple of days when he was overcome by record-breaking temperatures that hit the area this summer.
Next thing he knew, he was lying face first on the ground with Buster by his side.
“He was nudging me with his nose trying to get me to get up. I was laying on the ground outside the car,” he said.
was taken in an ambulance to the Mike O’Callaghan Military Medical Center. His car was taken to Quality Towing’s tow yard while Buster was taken by animal control to The Animal Foundation.
Left without Buster and with his car racking up thousands in impound fees, his friend posted about ’s story on Facebook.
And the community in Las Vegas responded in full.
“He fought for our country, he’s a veteran, he’s older, he needs our help,” Shannen Loo said.
Loo was one of the community who immediately jumped into action to help.
She offered to foster Buster to get him out of the shelter since, after his hospitalization, was staying at the Salvation Army shelter and couldn’t get Buster himself.
Meanwhile, Loo and others continued to share ’s story.
Eventually, Councilwoman Victoria Seaman’s team got word about ’s situation and was able to get his car released for free.
“My chief of staff actually went down there and told them of the situation,” Seaman said. “Finally, we find out that they went ahead and they waived the fees.”
The help didn’t stop there.
Loo made a GoFundMe and donations from the community poured in.
“I kept telling him, ‘Oh my gosh, we got this, we got a couch, we got a TV now. Oh my gosh we’re getting more GoFundMe,’” Loo said.
and Buster have now moved into a new apartment in North Las Vegas, furnished with love by a community he now plans to call home.
“You know, I’m usually the giver, not the receiver. I’ve helped a lot of people. It’s easier to give than it is to receive,” said.
His GoFundMe is still active and Loo said he will use any money raised to get his car’s engine checked and to pay for groceries and rent.
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