80-year-old army vet wants his missing dog back from Westie rescue

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An 80-year-old army veteran wants his Westie back after the dog went missing on July 20, however a Texas dog rescue now has the dog and states the man broke the adoption agreement.

According to KensNews, the West Highlands terrier, named Olaf, disappeared when Jim Martin had been loading his car in the driveway.  All day, the elderly man who lives alone searched for his dog. When someone found the dog the same day, they were not able to get in touch with Martin and instead a nearby shelter notified Lone Star Westie Rescue, where four years ago, Olaf had been adopted.

On their Facebook page the rescue told their side of the story:

“Olaf was adopted from LSWR 4 years ago.

Last Friday, as previously posted, we were contacted by HomeAgain that a Good Samaritan had found Olaf alone on the streets. Several attempts were made to contact the owner of this pet to no avail by both HomeAgain and LSWR.

It turns out he was 8.5 miles from home, with no owner identification tags and with several health issues that needed immediate attention.

LSWR took Olaf to a vet. Upon receiving medical care, he was found to have the following issues that would have taken months to be this severe: heavy flea infestation, eye infection (conjunctivitis), ear infection (ear canal almost completely closed), loss of hair on parts of his legs, and his nails had not been clipped in quite some time.

After speaking with a San Antonio police officer this evening, the police officer determined OLAF DOES NOT HAVE TO BE RETURNED and no criminal act on the part of LSWR had been committed.

These photos tell a very sad story, and we are sorry to have to share them with you. LSWR’s mission is to look out for these animals who can’t speak for themselves.”

Martin’s veterinarian, however signed a letter attesting that Olaf’s health issues have been “chronic and ongoing.” Dr. Larry Wood wrote,

“Jim is a model pet caregiver. I wish all pet caregivers were as conscientious as he is in his care of Olaf.”

Martin has now retained an attorney. Friends, neighbors and animal activists are standing by the side of the retired Army Lt. Col who has no family and his dog Olaf provides the emotional help and support he needs.

A GoFundMe account has been organized to help get Olaf back.

Surely the rescue can work out an agreement mutually acceptable to all parties ensuring Olaf receives all needed medical attention and still gets to be with Jim Martin. What are your thoughts?

(Photos of Westie via Lone Star Westie Rescue and FB Bring Olaf Home to Jim)

Read more on National Pet Rescue by clicking here.

Dog left outside died in the heat – read more here.

Man faces felony charge after dog died in the heat


Handsome shepherd scared and confused and in need of help at busy shelter – read more here.

Shepherd stressed, sad and confused

 


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33 COMMENTS

  1. “Martin’s veterinarian, however signed a letter attesting that Olaf’s health issues have been “chronic and ongoing.”
    Dr. Larry Wood wrote,“Jim is a model pet caregiver. I wish all pet caregivers were as conscientious as he is in his care of Olaf.”

    If flea infestation and eye infections, are “chronic” yet leaving them untreated represents his definition of “model care” (and severely overgrown nails are “ongoing”, again without clipping), remind me ••• and EVERYONE ELSE ••• to never patronize Dr. Larry Wood!

    • My dog has chronic tear stains that affect her eyes and although we take care of it every day it comes back. Her ears also get fungus inside (which were there when adopted from a shelter) and we clean every day and even give drops, so those 2 things are chronic and may be allergies, have changed foods, and still the same. As for this dogs nails, I ask my groomer to clip them short but every time they are only a tad bit because cause it is close to the quick. Probably needs to be restrained/muzzled and then cut short where the quick is exposed and bleeding can occur. When you pull the hair back from the nails, they made the nails look long to get the reaction they want from those who think they did the right think. This dog is not underweight or lethargic, and within the time the rescue has had him back, he looks like he should look, so his care was short turn not something that has been neglected for a long time. This is elder abuse to not give this man his dog back that is his family. If that were a member of your family who loved their dog, how would you feel? They could have and should have worked something out with him to either help him or monitor the issues they felt needed to be taken care of. He has friends and neighbors who would help him and this rescue. Have you ever clipped your dogs nails? Not very easy and takes a lot of practice to avoid cutting the quick or just clipping a fraction.

    • LSWR gives nonprofits a bad name. I
      have personally seen Jim walk his dog Olaf. He said that he gives Olaf bottled water!
      This gives nonprofits a bad image. This will end up in court?? LSWR! Who calls someone, and yells at him? Alamo Heights, Oak Park, Northwood neighbors are behind Jim!

    • Dr. Wood is a HIGHLY reputable Veterinarian! ONLY Lone Star Westie Rescue said Ilaf was flea infested, etc! THEY also stole Olaf from near his home and Olaf was NOT found 8.5 miles from the, yet ANOTHER lie by Lone Star Westie Rescue, which IN FACT already had taken unlawful possession of Olaf! We have a HORRIBLE flea problem in San Antonio, more so this summer and they can cover a dog quickly. I KNOW, I have a pet, well cared for that it has happened to!! You truly need to research the FACTS before passing any judgement! The FACTS WILL come out!

    • Wait until you are old and by yourself and try to do the best you can. Yes, look at those photos that have been resolved in less that a week, so not a neglect issue. Maybe he doesn’t groom Olaf as often as he should, but just wait until you are elderly. This is nothing more than they feel he is too old to have a dog and nothing more.

      • According to the groomer, Olaf is groomed every few months. He also had 14 vet visits with Dr. Wood.

    • WHAT?? Have you ever seen a dog that has been TRULY neglected? The dog in the picture, who someone claims is Olaf, does not look as horrific as the Rescue tries to claim! I am sure Olaf is brokenhearted!! I personally know Dr. Wood and he has a stellar reputation for good reason! Not right to pass judgment without FACTS!!

    • I saw Jim walk his dog several times. HE said he gave it bottled water. I’ve owned and breed dogs for 57 years. I almost lost a Jack Russell, because it became sick from flea meds. My vets said to stop giving it! San Antonio does have a bad flea problem. I think that social media has made people mean and desensitized!

  2. First off elderly people do the best they can for their dogs and cats. Many times the dog needs a grooming and nail trim, all costly and not for free. I feel what this dog has is chronic and ongoing like the vet says.Ear infections come and go, that I know especially if you don’t clean them or put the drops in properly. Eyes are an issue that again requires care in cleaning and can be costly at the vets so you do what you can at home initially. His nails may not be cut back far enough each time they were trimmed. Those nails need to be trimmed but where is the quick? Fleas can be treated and I am certain the man does what he can, again, instead of complaining about the condition of the dog, why didn’t the rescue try to help this man get caught up with his care of his best friend? They could have said they would do check ups on the dog to make sure all was ok. No. take his dog away because of the health/medical issues they say this dog has. I understand they feel responsibility towards one of their own adopted dogs, but you have an 80 year old man who is alone and loves his dog and his dog loves him. I bet Olaf is sad and confused thanks to the stupidity of this rescue. Maybe they couldn’t contact the man because he was out looking for Olaf. Not everyone has a cell phone or leaves it on. I feel that someone picked Olaf up and then dumped him on the road 8 miles away from where he and his owner live. No one knows the full story and this rescue needs to work with the owner, and return his only friend/family member.

    • I was thinking the same thing! Thank you!! Also, the eyes of the elderly are not as clear as they used to be sometimes unsteady hands. He needs some help, not a lashing.
      Thank you!!

      • Jim is a retired Colonel and lives in a affluent neighborhood. His house is well-taken care of. There is a lot of pressure to take care of one’s pets and property. Neighbors have been known to call code compliance for and report dog abuse.

  3. As long as this man has a written statement from his Veterinarian stating that the dog has been receiving treatment for the ailments, I see NO reason why this pup shouldn’t be returned to his owner. Whatever condition the dog was picked up in, I believe Jim Martin and his Vet that the dog was being taken care of. Some of my pets haven’t looked in the best of shape while being treated by the Vet for whatever they might have had either. No owner identification tags isn’t an excuse to take the dog away from him either, This is why everyone harps on getting micro chipped, I don’t know why they had a problem getting in touch with the man but he was probably out looking for his pet. Give the dog back to this man, he has done NOTHING to deserve his dog being taken away!

  4. Honestly–hard to say at this point (four years later) where Olaf would be happier! Maybe joint ownership is possible. Then Olaf has two people who love him!

  5. If he loved Olaf that much….why wasn’t he taking care of him? If it is too much for him to do, then relinquish Olaf to someone who can care for him properly.
    I am very sorry for this senior…but he should have been watching him and taking care of his medical issues…. not to mention those nails. That is something painful for a dog to have to walk with….long nails.

    • Wait until you are lucky enough to be a senior his age. He still can do things for himself and has many friends and loves his dog. Lets hope you have enough friends and neighbors who support you the same way when you are a senior.

  6. This dog was NOT cared for very well!,I’m 74,have 4 dogs that are groomed,nails cut evey 6 weeks,and on flea,tick and heartworm medication.This dog is in poor condition,bet he’s not on heartworm meds,or flee and tick,,,,to the vet….where the hell did you graduate from?

    • You are so fortunate to be able to care for your 4 dogs, but possibly he is doing the best he can. Does that mean you keep his dog or try to help him. Some of you lack compassion for this man and would rather see him alone than with his Olaf with outside help.

    • My dog is not on heart worm meds nor flea and tick because my doctor does not want dogs on those meds as it does more harm than good.This is a very well known holistic homeopathic veterinarian who has treated dogs all over this country (Oprah’s dog and others). He also treats cancer patients and has helped to give dogs a good quality of life.There is a fine balance between regular treatments and unconventional and traditional treatments are not always good anymore.

    • Marsha,
      I truly commend you as a pet owner and very good one.How do you KNOW what Olaf was and was not on? I have seen the vet records and Olaf WAS cared for! The FACTS of this situation have NOT been fully revealed, but WILL BE. ILIVE in San Antonio and KNOW the horrible flea problem we’re having. Although there are NO facts or evidence to prove Olaf WAS flea infested, “if” he was, it could easily have happened in a sort period of time….or maybe “whomever ” took Olaf “wherever ” is the culprit! I highly suggest you research THE FACTS of this situation!

  7. YET LOOK at some of the ANIMAL”S that are given back that have been abused :::: Like the dog that almost died in the hot car and was given back…. I take the stance this Elderly Gentleman ( who served our country no less and must have been in the service a hell of a long time to be a Very High Ranking Officer) Loves his dog and May Need a little help from a Groomer or Vet Tech!!! Jesus Christ let him have a Chance>>. Texas Rescues and Shelter’s are so Fucked up as well as the Judicial System that will slap and hand on one individual , turn their backs and continue to do nothing for another incident, give probation to someone who tortured and murdered their pet, and Bust an elderly gentlemen that may just need help… GOD HELP that NO STAR STATE GET their POOP IN A GROUP!!!

  8. This man loves his dog and thought he was taking care of him ok. The compassion that people have for animals is wonderful, but do not forget about people who also care about their dogs and feel they are taking good care of them. Maybe he was unaware that more should have been done, so no one talks to him to try to help him, but this rescue can accuse him of animal abuse over the phone? Great rescue that only wants to resell this dog for another adoption fee. Sorry, but that is what they want to do to Olaf.

  9. I Should be Appalled BUT considering this is Texas I can honestly understand Their Misguided Thought Process . I hope this Elder’s Attorney gets the court system to require a “professional animal health aide” to come to the home on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and check on this man’s little companion dog… and also have someone to assist this 80 some year old elder while at it!!! Pick your battles Texas GO after the “REAL” CRIMINAL MINDED ABUSIVE ASSHOLES the INTENTIONALLY HARM dogs… Not someone that is just misguided or not quite up to par health wise himself… YOU People down there are downright “OUT TO LUNCH”!!!!

    • Excellent and agree with you 100%. Texas has too many homeless dogs dumped on their streets to the point where rescues and shelters can’t get all of them. There is a corridor in Houston, Texas, where dogs are abandoned and the state of Texas does nothing about this. Some are intentionally harmed by those criminal elements you mentioned or just uncaring, stupid people who think it’s funny to hurt a dog. Mr. Martin could have even thought to himself that on the weekend that Olaf scooted out of the house that he was going to administer his meds for eyes and ears but never got the change. All these “arm-chair veterinarians” as to how someone should treat their dogs need to sit back and think how they would feel if this was a close family member or even their parent. Have compassion for people like you do for animals especially for those who love their dog and want to do the best for them.

      • Being in the medical field in a professional capacity and working with all walks of life gives one a broader prospective I believe, and I honestly think this elder had the best of intentions, but is also alone and coming to the point where I think he would Welcome someone to assist and just be there… We have no idea if he does or did have family .. and also in this day and age there is ONE HELL OF ALOT OF “Family” that can’t wait for their “ENTITLEMENT of EVERYTHING ” the Hell with the family member… I hope for the best for these two. and maybe for other’s to Not be So Judgemental without KNOWING THE WHOLE STORY!!!

      • I see you are very passionate about Olaf and his belonging to his owner and how the owner does his best. I fully understand (or I guess I do) your compassionate attitude towards elderly owner. But here is a thing: old people do not have same attitude at what is the responsible pet ownership is as younger generation. My guess he didn’t trim dog’s nails because dog’s nails will get filed by the asphalt pavement on it’s own just from walks, and he didn’t treat the fleas because when it will get colder the fleas will die on their own. It is clear that the dog could not get flea infestation during one day he was lost. Sure dermatitis, conjunctivitis and ear infections could be chronic and just as you said in regard of your own dog they might stay no matter what you do and with all medicines. And the dog’s nails… the owner probably can not cut his own toenails being 80 yo and in his mind if he can live like that than there’s probably nothing wrong with dog living like that too. After all dog does run on pavement to file the nails. And when it comes to other people coming and helping… There are SO many elderly people who DO NOT WANT the help. If you try to tell then that the dog looks neglected they will order you off their property and call the police for harassment. Have you ever knows old people who will not let anybody in their house? You know, years from now next generation will be appalled at how badly we treated our pets and how we could put down so many of them in shelter just because there were not enough cages. In the same way we see how old people now just “don’t get” that you have to actually groom the pet and get rid of fleas instead of waiting for winter to kill them, because fleas are bad for pet’s health, it’s not just nuisance. I don’t think that the owner would accept help from adopting shelter of Olaf. And I think that the court order that pennysdachshunds mentioned would be absolutely the best thing for both Olaf and owner. The court order that will oblige him to accept help even if he thinks that it is not needed.

  10. This retired Veteran has followed orders from His superiors (General’s & Commend of Armed Services ) so I believe he would follow the court order to benefit the well being of Both of these Elders (dog and person). Each and Every one of us posting is going to be in this same spot ! some of US sooner than later!!! REMEMBER THAT!!
    There is also the newer complexes that would allow both the retired vet and his dog and they could have their own complex on site and on site staff available at all times!!!

  11. I agree with all that pennysdachshund has said. This Rescue has refused to have him see Olaf and even abused him verbally over the phone calling him an sob (check the website for Bring Olaf Home To Jim). Mr. martin has neighbors that would help him if that was all that was needed but this vindictive rescue has not even allowed him to see Olaf much less speak to him face to face. Over the phone they are very brave to berate him and make him feel embarrassed about the way he has taken care of Olaf for the past 4 years (no incidents or checking up by rescue in 4 years either). They lied to their supporters and the SAPD did not say they could keep Olaf either. If they are so concerned with the care of all their rescues than maybe they need to do spot checks for the life the adopter has one of their rescues. Again, no compassion or redemption for Mr. Martin since they are perfect people themselves.

  12. I am reading so many of these posts in disbelief! I realize Texas is backward in a lot if ways and those of you from other states might have a negative opinion based on whatever. HOWEVER, I DO LIVE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, I DO KNOW JIM MARTIN and Jim IS NOT an unkempt, negligent, absent minded elderly man!! Quite the opposite!! He is polite, healthy, outgoing, well spoken and PERFECTLY capable of taking care of himself and Olaf, HE WAS!! I met Him, as a neighbor, when it was posted IMMEDIATELY on our Neighborhood Site that Olaf had gotten out (workers left the door open!) There were LOTS of us out, as well as Jim, looking for Olaf! Olaf WAS wearing a collar and tags! Not much later, the rescue group, already had Olaf!! There are a lot of FACTS that you all have not checked! Please do not be so quick to judge! Jim did NOTHING wrong! Lone Star Westie Rescue are the ones refusing to give FACTS, but as so many said, the Courts will force the truth to be revealed!

  13. Bravo Kim Youngblood, you are 100% correct and I hope the complete truth comes out quickly and Jim Martin gets Olaf back. They lied about Olaf’s condition and made it look like he was in horrible shape so their supporters would donate more to their rescue cause. Pictures certainly tug at people’s hearts, but when the truth comes out, LSWR will suffer the consequences of their refusal to return Olaf to Jim.

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