Austin veteran reunited with lost service dog missing since Christmas

East Austin veteran reunited with his service dog

After more than a week of searching high and low, an East Austin veteran was finally reunited with his service dog.

AUSTIN, Texas - Roger Cooper wore a few layers New Year’s Day knowing full well he’d spend the majority of the day outside, searching for his furry best friend Daisy. Daisy had been missing since Christmas, to Cooper she’s not only a companion but a service dog.

Cooper said she was trained as a seizure alert dog through a veteran affairs program.

"I trusted someone who I thought could watch that I found out was mentally unstable and they let her go but by the grace of God I hope I find her because I’ll never make that mistake again," Cooper said as he fought back tears.

"She's my everything people please bring her home. I keep looking out here hoping that I’ll see her."

Wednesday afternoon Cooper was calling out for the 12-year-old Fox Terrier Mix near Dailey Middle School. Homeowners on a neighborhood site called Nextdoor reached out to Cooper and sent him pictures of Daisy crossing the football field. When Cooper was just about to pack up and change locations his friend got a call, a white and black terrier was just dropped off at the Austin Animal Center. Cooper hopped in his pick-up to check.

Sure enough, one of the workers examined Cooper’s photos and put Daisy right back in his arms. "It just feels so wonderful I just missed her so much, it's been the longest eight days without her. Thank you Lord for bringing her home," Cooper said.