SAN JOSE -- Lobo, the service dog that was lost earlier this week when it became frightened, was found dead on a highway Wednesday night.
Lobo and had been with Army veteran Jeff Wilson for a year and a half. He ran off in the Berryessa neighborhood Tuesday afternoon after being spooked while Wilson was in his driveway. Wilson, who had knee surgery last week, could not chase after Lobo when he ran off.
Caltrans "called us this morning around 8:30 and they found Lobo," Wilson said. "He was hit by a car, in Berryessa on the east side of (Interstate) 680."
Operation Freedom Paws, an organization that works with veterans to help train service dogs, on Wednesday asked residents in the Berryessa neighborhood
Lobo (Handout photograph)
for help finding the lost dog. The group began working with Wilson after he met Lobo at a rescue shelter. The two both had traumatic pasts: Wilson, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, served 10 years on active duty as a tank commander and four years as a reserve flight engineer, and Lobo was physically and emotionally wounded after living in an abusive home.
"We were both broken in the same ways when we came together," Wilson said, crediting Lobo with calming him down and providing constant companionship. "He's always looking out for me."
Mary Cortani, the founder of Operation Freedom Paws, described the yeoman's effort that took place Wednesday in search of Lobo.
"We probably had 14 people out walking around, three of us with dogs that were familiar to Lobo," she said. "It's been overwhelming at times, but the organization is blessed that it has come together in this way."
Wilson expressed gratitude to both community members and Operation Freedom Paws for supporting him throughout the ordeal.
"I just want to thank everybody for all the help and support and love that's come out," he said. "Freedom Paws is my family, and they're still here with me now."
Cortani also expressed her gratitude to the public, saying that without community support, Caltrans may not have made the phone call to Wilson on Thursday.
"As devastating as this is, at least Jeff has closure," she said.
Wilson, who lives with his wife in San Jose, asks those interested in helping out to donate a tribute to Operation Freedom Paws in Lobo's name.
Contact Edward Ngai at 408-920-5064. Follow him at Twitter.com/edngai.
viawww.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_23918901/lobo-service-dog-wounded-san-jose-veteran-found
Show Konversi KodeHide Konversi Kode Show EmoticonHide Emoticon