A North Texas veteran is receiving help in caring for his injured pit bull, who was struck by a car on Aug. 5, from people he's never met.
Hector Catalan and his dog, Hercules, have been inseparable since Catalan received the dog as a gift from his family five years ago.
Hercules was meant to help Catalan ease back into civilian life after combat in Iraq.
"I'd been having trouble finding myself back here, so this little guy here helped me find my way back to my family," said Catalan. "He's like my four-legged son to me."
Hercules escaped the backyard earlier this month, however, and was struck by a car on Inwood Road.
Angela Gordon happened to be driving nearby and watched as traffic struggled to maneuver around Hercules, who was in a seated position in the eastbound lanes, unable to move.
"He drug himself up over to me with his front paws. His whole back and his hips were useless. He couldn't walk or anything," said Gordon.
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She and a few other passersby took Hercules to nearby Park Cities Animal Hospital, which contacted Dallas Animal Services about the incident, as well as passed out fliers to other veterinarians in hopes of identifying Hercules's owner.
Once Catalan returned home from work that day, he called various places in search of his dog and Animal Services directed him to Park Cities Animal Hospital.
By then, Gordon had posted about the incident on her neighborhood page of Nextdoor.com and she says between 50-70 people offered donations for Hercules's medical care.
More donations poured in once users learned of the special bond between Catalan and Hercules.
"I posted that again, and Nextdoor and everyone rallied again and it's been incredible, the response," said Gordon.
Hercules is now undergoing various treatments for damage he received to his spinal cord and is unable to walk on all four legs as of right now.
Catalan is praying for the best and said he's overwhelmed about the financial and emotional support he's received.
"It's unbelievable. I mean, I am at a loss for words. I appreciate all the help I've received for Hercules here," said Catalan.
