Update: Disabled Army veteran's missing dog found dead near interstate

ATLANTA - UPDATE: Unfortunately, the missing service dog named Bruno was found deceased near Interstate 285 about 3 miles from Kerrie Porter's home. Top Dogg founder Blake Rashad was able to return Bruno's service dog vest to Kerrie when he informed her of his death.

Top Dogg K9 Foundation says it is committed to providing unwavering support to veterans and they are already working to identify and train a suitable replacement service dog for Porter. They also said they understand the urgency of the need and are working to raise the necessary funds.

They are deeply saddened by the loss of Bruno and are taking immediate steps to review and enhance their protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.  

ORIGINAL STORY

A disabled veteran is desperately searching for her missing service dog.

What we know:

Kerrie Porter, a disabled Army veteran, is legally blind.

"I served two terms in Iraq," Porter said.

She had waited more than a year for her service dog. "He’s paired with me for PTSD," Porter said.

Topp Dogg K9 Foundation, which provides service animals for disabled veterans, connected Porter with Bruno just two weeks ago. He's a brown Standard Poodle.

"He was just wonderful from the start," Porter. "He’s just been an amazing addition to our family."

Late Sunday night, Porter and her husband were walking Bruno in their neighborhood along Fielding Lane in southwest Atlanta.

"These dogs came down the street, and they were barking," Porter remembered.

Bruno got scared and bolted.

"He heard it, and he got away from me and my husband ran after him," Porter said. "All I could keep yelling was his name over and over again."

What's next:

On Tuesday, Porter, her family and the people from Topp Dogg canvassed the neighborhood.

"These service dogs provide invaluable support," said Sheila Rashad, Top Dogg’s executive director.

"It’s extremely heartbreaking. It’s very troubling that Bruno is out there somewhere. We’re just hoping and praying that someone will see this and bring Bruno back," Rashad said.

Porter is now depending on the kindness of neighbors. "It’s definitely not helping my anxiety level, that’s for sure," Porter said. "I would really love for him to be returned."

What you can do:

Bruno was last seen wearing a red service animal vest and a blue collar with his name and porter’s phone number on it. Call that number if you find the dog, or call the police if you have any information on where he could be.