My name is Tim Fresta, and I am a disabled Navy veteran. Jared, my service dog, was born on June 6th, 2021—a date with historical significance. He was named in honor of one of the fallen 13 Marines and servicemembers, Jared Schmitz, who was killed in action.

Jared came into my life through the incredible generosity of Dogs That Help, a non-profit organization providing service dogs to disabled veterans and first responders at no cost. His unwavering support has been invaluable in helping me cope with my military service-connected disabilities.

On the morning of Wednesday, May 22, 2024, our routine took a heartbreaking turn. Jared was let outside for his usual potty break around 8:30 AM. As I chatted with my sister and prepared my morning coffee, Jared spotted something in our front yard—a wildlife creature that piqued his curiosity. The security camera footage shows Jared strolling off-screen, heading to whatever must have had his attention.

The next snippet of footage contains only audio, a haunting sound—either Jared or the animal he encountered was in distress. When I stepped outside to bring him in for his veterinary appointment, Jared was nowhere to be found. Our property, nestled in a densely wooded area, makes it easy for anything to get lost or disoriented.

Since that fateful day, Jared has been missing. Our community rallied around us, offering unwavering support. We’ve tried everything—thermal drone searches, group ground efforts, and enlisted specialized Search and Rescue K9s. But we won’t give up until Jared is safely back home.

The reason for this GoFundMe is due to generous individuals that have reached out privately, asking if they can contribute monetarily to our search efforts. They want to help cover expenses related to finding Jared, any necessary veterinary treatments, and any other expenses that occur. Initially, I never expected this level of community support and am beyond thankful for everything that the community has done and continues to be doing. However, with my pride set aside, I feel like the individuals that requested to make a donation, should be allowed that opportunity to do so.

Please know that there’s no obligation to donate. Your kindness, whether financial or emotional, touches our hearts. As we continue our search, we’re reminded that it truly takes a village. Thank you for being part of ours.

With gratitude, Tim Fresta