<div>This is Leo. Leo has an amazing story of strength and resilience to tell. Leo, a 4 year-old Bull Mastiff/Plott Hound/Redbone Coonhound mix, started off abandonded in a forest as a pup. Donald Reid (known to most as just Reid) and his friend spotted him and spent months trying to gain his trust. Leo was scared and mistrusted humans. Leo was covered in fleas and tics and had contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Reid was eventually able to take Leo home, get him treated, and adopt him into his family.
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<div>For the past year, Leo has been training to be a service dog for Reid. Leo still has a year to go, but is doing very well. During a recent visit to the VA hospital, Leo was complemented by staff as being one of the best trained service dogs they had encountered. Leo and Reid are inseparable. If you live in Terre Haute, you may have seen them together at the store, in a restaurant, or Leo being pulled in his very own trailer, behind Reid's motorcycle.
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<div>Reid has his own story to tell, and I'll share some of it, so you understand why his family is asking for your support. Reid is a 100% disabled Army Vet. He spent most of his time in the service in an Airborne unit, as a Green Beret. He was deployed during Operation Desert Storm, and stationed overseas as well. After leaving the military, he spent time in Istanbul, Turkey as an owner of a private security company. Reid returned to the United States in 2006 and joined the Marion County Sheriff's Department, first as a Corrections Officer, then as a Reserve Deputy. He retired in 2019 (from my memory, I may have to confirm that date) as a Lieutenant. Reid has also worked as a K9 handler/ trainer.
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<div>Reid has been diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Leo, as his service animal, helps Reid when Reid is anxious, frustrated, or upset. Leo is trained to alert Reid by pawing or nudging him until Reid is calmed. He has been able to demonstrate his abilities in several situations, making life more tolerable for Reid.
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<div>On August 1st, 2024, Leo was spooked by a storm and bolted in front of a car. The driver was unable to stop in time, and Leo was run over. Leo sustained severe injuries, requiring immediate care. Leo was seen at a veterinary hospital in Terre Haute where it was determined he had a broken back. Leo was then taken to VCA in Fishers, IN for surgery to repair his back. On August 2nd, Leo had 2 rods and 6 screws implanted to help repair the damage.
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<div>Leo was able to come home on August 6th. He does have feeling in his back legs, and is doing better than expected, but has a long road ahead for a full recovery. He has taken a few wobbly steps on his own, however is still supported by a sling the majority of the time. His current medical bills have exceeded $14,000. Reid did not ask for help, but his family knows, that as a disabled vet, his income is limited. His family also knows that not only was Leo rescued when they were brought together, but Leo rescued Reid 100 times over. Leo has truly made life better for Reid and Reid did not hesitate to get Leo the help he needed, no matter the cost.
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<div>If you can donate any amount, thank you, it is truly appreciated. If you can share the fundraiser, thank you, again it is truly appreciated. All funds raised will be going directly to Reid to help pay the debt incurred from this horrible accident.
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