In July of 2019, the Community Courier - now Chester County townlively - featured a story about Vietnam veteran David Tillman and his dog, Dakota, a 6-year-old Labrador and pit bull mix, who received assistance from Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue (LDAR).

At the time, Tillman was living out of his car and in hotels. Tillman was able to qualify for the Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Support Housing (HUD-VASH) program, but was unable to move into permanent housing for several months. During the time while he resided at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, LDAR volunteers took care of Dakota in foster homes until he could be reunited with Tillman.

Mary Bauer, founder of LDAR, reported that Tillman passed away on June 25. He and Dakota resided at Whitehall Apartments in Spring City, a facility that provides permanent supportive housing for at-risk veterans in Chester County.

"Dakota is now 10 years old. David made his wishes known to me, his friends and some family that if anything ever happened to him, Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue would take in Dakota," Bauer said. "(Dakota) is living at the rescue and he is available for foster or adoption."

Bauer made the announcement about Tillman in a Facebook post. "Dakota was by his side early this a.m. when he passed," stated Bauer. "Dakota will be heading to us this week to be loved on and taken care of for the rest of his life or until a new family comes along to make him their own. RIP David. Thank you for your service, your inspiration and dedication to Dakota."

She also thanked LDAR supporters and volunteers for helping Tillman and Dakota during the three months that the pair lived apart. "While David was away, Dakota was with one of our foster families and also did a month board-and-train with Patrick Fitzgerald," Bauer said. "This training was essential because David suffered from neuropathy and was unsteady on his feet, so Dakota learned some basic commands."

LDAR continued to support Dakota when he lived with Tillman by providing him with food and veterinary care.

Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue Inc. is a nonprofit, no-kill, all-volunteer organization. For more information about adopting or fostering Dakota or other available dogs and cats, visit http://www.luckydawganimalrescue.com or http://www.facebook.com/LuckyDawgAnimalRescue.

To read the entire story about Tillman and Dakota, visit http://www.townlively.com/animal-rescue-keeps-veteran-and-his-dog-together.