Donations for John and his dog, Grace.

Hi! Thank you for taking the time to read the story you've seen shared on social media about John and his dog, Grace. This fundraiser is being done by Vicky Hooper and Amy Smith. If you have made it this far, then you know we are desperate to raise enough money to fund John a home to live in. We have a few ideas thrown around, but of course it will all be dependent on how much money is raised. He and his gorgeous dog, who has become his best friend, both are in dire need of help. We would love to see Grace, fully vetted and up to date on medications to keep her healthy as well. If you have stumbled across this GoFundMe link and have not read his story, I'll share it below. THANK YOU so much for donating to helping us get John to a more comfortable place off of the streets. May God bless you all. Please pray for blessings to pour onto this man!

John’s Story:

Grace is the basis for the Christian faith. We believe we are saved by faith through grace. God's grace can be defined as undeserved favor. Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given. We count on God's grace and the bridge he built in our relationship with him.

Today, I had the privilege to meet John. He is 61 years old, served in the United States Air Force. He loves reading books, and black licorice. He loves a good burger.

I have passed him several times, sitting in a chair, off to the side. Everytime I passed he was there. I noticed he had a dog there with him, and my kids have heard me say several times that I need to stop and see what this man’s situation is.

A very sweet lady (Mrs. Vicky) who has become my friend through animal rescue, posted about John a few weeks ago and I knew if I could ever get through the next couple of weeks where I was able to slow down, I could go meet him myself as I have been wanting to. Today, I got that opportunity. My friend met me there, and introduced us.

First let me say, getting through his long hair and overgrown beard, this kind, gentle soul has the most beautiful blue eyes I think I have ever seen. I introduced myself and told him that I wanted to be a friend, not someone who comes to force religion on or try to shame him. Just a friend to try and help.

He told me that he traveled with the carnival for many years, which led him here to small town Louisiana. He told me that he wanted a different life away from drugs and alcohol so this is where he is. He was born in Oregon. He has no family alive. He is suffering from COPD. He has no money, and has been living homeless in the same exact spot he was in today, for over a year. When it rains, he is in it. When it was 120 heat index he was in it. When it’s beautiful weather, like today he is in it and also thankful for the cooler weather because it makes for a more comfortable environment. We know the luxury of a hot shower, and a nice haircut. Something he hasn’t had in months. His mind is ready to work but his body can not keep up. He can’t breathe. His feet are so inflamed and swollen that he can not even put shoes on. He is currently waiting on the ability to receive his disability check but it could be months and months. Our winter is coming, and it will be harsh, cold, and wet. He cannot survive living under a tree with a tent.

While living homeless for over a year, a dog came to him off of the streets right where he is living. He took her in, and made a friend. His sweet dog also needs vetting. She loved on me while we were visiting, and was so sweet and well-behaved. We are so undeserving of the animals in this world, and like the good girl she is, she listened to his every command and would stop, to lick on John’s feet who are very much in pain. It was the sweetest moment of the entire day. There is a GoFundMe link I am sharing today in hopes to help get this man, who has served his country and desperately in need of our love, to show him God’s light. Our first goal is to purchase him a camper and have it put in place where he can be comfortable and out of the weather. We have priced several out and depending on the donations that come in for him will determine what we can provide for him. Ideally I would love to see us raise enough funds to furnish the camper, and get him enough money to get back on his feet again. I expressed to John that people love to help but want to know who they are helping. He brokenly looked down, and told me he doesn’t like having his picture taken and never has. I told him I completely respected that but that one day we were gonna convince him to take a picture because the world needs to see just how jaw-droppingly gorgeous his blue eyes are. I’ve literally never seen eyes this blue in person.

Before I left, I asked him to pick anywhere he could choose to have a burger from and Wendy’s was his pick! We got him the biggest burger, largest fry possible and I got him a chocolate frosty without asking if he even wanted one. I was humbled when Caroline and I brought this to him, at how fast he ripped the frosty lid off and devoured the frosty before even touching the other food he wanted so badly. John, a kind man, with a broken story…with blue eyes that pierce through you, who was in the United State’s Air Force.

My only goal is to help this man, not embarrass him at all. So I am sharing pictures of his beautiful dog.

Grace - approval or kindness, that is freely given by God to all humans.

The dog’s name is….. Grace. He named her. I couldn’t help but think that Grace found John and she needed him as much as he needs her. And now, I am praying that the most powerful grace in existence of mankind is bestowed on John.

If you can help, please donate. We will be updating the community as donations come in. If you have other questions, or can help in any way please reach out to me privately. I realize without a face to see yourself, it may seem like a scam-however I want to go about this publicly respecting his privacy/dignity as much as I can. I will not share any images of John until he gives us permission to do so. The images shown he has given us permission to do so.