James Pack had to surrender his two dogs, Bailey and Blaze, after a heart attack, but thanks to donations from strangers he was able to get them back.
CAMDEN, DE. -- A Vietnam Veteran who had to give up his dogs when a heart attack and further health problems left him unable to support them was teary-eyed and shocked when he reunited with them this week, reports say.
James Pack, of Newark, Delaware, suffered a massive heart attack, followed by an infection that left his throat and left side paralyzed for a short time, according to Delaware State News. With no one available to care for Blaze and Bailey -- two Labrador-pit bull mixes -- he was forced to surrender them to the SPCA.
During their three months apart, Pack would call the shelter to check on the dogs, always worried about their well being, Lindsey Carrothers, an employee of SPCA told the Delaware State News.
After getting out of the hospital and finding a place to live that would accept pets, Pack returned to find out he wouldn't be able to get Bailey and Blaze back without paying a $250 adoption fee.
However, some employees and volunteers of the shelter decided to chip in and help Pack out once they saw his connection with the dogs.
The adoption fee was decreased to $125, which was raised by the volunteers, and others donated gift cards for food, toys and treats.
When Pack went to put a deposit on his beloved pets, he learned he would be able to take them home.
The emotional reunion was captured on video and now has more than 360,000 views on YouTube.
"This is unbelievable," Pack said with tears in his eyes. "Thank you."
Rebecca Forand may be reached at rforand@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @RebeccaForand. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
