VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) — A Valdosta veteran says it's been nearly a month since he's seen his best friend.
An emotional support dog, named Gunner. To most pet owners, their dog is part of their family.
It's no different for David Todd Taylor. He's an Air Force veteran who has dealt with battles overseas and his dog Gunner is the one who helps him get through personal battles everyday.
"It's just difficult and I don't sleep well...my appetite has gone...everything has changed from top to bottom," said Taylor.
David Taylor is retired now.
He's spent just under 35 years working for the United States Air Force.
Taylor served in Iraq battling the desert storm.
Years later, he's back home with facing other battles like post -traumatic stress disorder.
It's something he says only Gunner understood.
"He and I could somehow and I can't explain it...we could somehow...we could somehow communicate with each other," said Tyalor.
Gunner ran away from home just days after a close friend passed away.
Taylor says what he's dealt with the past month has made things even harder for him.
“I don’t have the words I just do not it’s a daily challenge I live hour to hour forget the day today thing I live hour to hour not trying to sound stupid but it’s just difficult and I don’t sleep well my appetite is gone and everything is changed from top to bottom," said Taylor.
Taylor isn't letting his emotions stop him from searching. And he's got help.
"We need to find closure for these veteran guide...we would want to have closure for ourselves if it was one of our puppies," said Cesar Menjibar.
The Menjibars have been one of the leaders for the search for Gunner.
They've spent day and night trying to find him.
"it really touched us and we wanted to help this guy find his dog," said Kelly Menjibar.
Taylor says he is grateful.
"For everyone that has put forth their effort and continuing to look for Gunner...I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You'll never really know how much I appreciate it. I just want to thank you," said Taylor.
Taylor also has put up a $1,000 reward for anyone that can help bring Gunner home. If you spot Gunner, call (229) 561-4822.
