BOONE COUNTY, K.Y. — Authorities are investigating after a disabled veteran’s service dog was found dead in Boone County, Kentucky.
Bryan Vallandingham is a 14-year U.S. Army veteran who suffers from seizures. His dog Gunner would alert Vallandingham’s family when he was having a seizure by laying across him or barking randomly, according to Bryan’s wife.
Gunner was found shot in the head and dumped near a set of railroad tracks in Boone County.
The family says Bryan is not doing well and having frequent seizures after learning of Gunner’s death.
Bryan’s family says they believe Gunner was stolen from their yard two weeks ago. Apparently, the family received a message from someone who said they knew where Gunner was and demanded money, but the family did not comply.
Investigators are looking into extortion as a motive in the dog’s disappearance and death.
