SACRAMENTO -- His name is Shep, and he’s a big, sweet German Shepherd mix. But his owner had a big problem.
"So I'm freaking out on Sunday... yesterday," said Jerome, Shep's owner.
It was T-minus 48 hours until Jerome's deployment, and he says he could not find anyone to foster Shep, his companion of 10 years.
So, in a desperation move, he posted the problem on the Sacramento sub-Reddit page, according to KTXL.
"We had no idea that he, or the dog, existed before last night. I was just browsing,” recalled Sarah Short.
The post tugged at Short's heart. Several emails and phone conversations later, and today, complete strangers are opening their home to Shep.
"I don't know what to say to Sarah and the nice folks here who are going to care for him,” Jerome said.
For Short and her family, it was something like helping out family.
"Military has a special place in our hearts. It means a lot to us to be able to help out. My husband's a veteran. I have a brother, sister-in-law in the service," Short said.
Shep is an old boy. He suffers hip dysplasia and doesn't get around like he used to.
But Jerome says when he gets a call to go halfway around the world, it's his duty. But this trip will be much easier for him, knowing Shep is in loving company.
"Yeah I'm going to miss him. He's my best friend, and I'm going to miss him," Jerome said.
