Marine Major’s Dog’s Remains Located – March 11, 2018

PRESS RELEASE

A missing dog’s remains have been confirmed by the owner.

On March 2, an accident occurred around 5 p.m., in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 20 near Love’s truck stop.

As traffic backed up from onlookers, a secondary accident occurred. The pickup driven by a US Marine Major was struck from behind. The Major’s family pet, Cody, a 5-year-old red and white Australian shepherd escaped from his harness and fled the scene.

No injuries were reported as a result from the crash.

Since that day, the family and dozens of volunteers have been searching to locate the missing dog.

The Major was traveling from San Diego, relocating to his new home base in North Carolina.

The Major flew in locally on Wednesday, again looking for Cody.

Private tracker dogs were brought in and volunteers from the Parker County Sheriff’s Animal Control Division also helped in the search for Cody.

Sheriff Larry Fowler contacted Weatherford Fire Department and borrowed a drone to search the area in hopes of finding Cody.

An unidentified person contacted the Major this morning with a tip on the location of the dog.

The Major went to the scene about 100-meters south of Love’s Truck Stop, and located Cody’s remains on the railroad tracks. He contacted the Sheriff’s Office to confirm the identity of Cody.

He will be returning to his base today with Cody’s collar.

“We made every effort in order to find Cody,” said PCSO Animal Control Supervisor Karen Kessler. “It’s unfortunate that it didn’t work out. We are somewhat glad that closure was brought to the family.”

Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said he was disturbed to hear the news of Cody.

“I am sorry for the loss of their family pet,” Sheriff Fowler said. “We would like to thank the citizen volunteers, media helicopter pilots, tracking dog handlers, the Sheriff’s Animal Control Unit, and Weatherford Fire Department for their assistance in the search for Cody, and most of all, I would like to thank the Major for his service to our country.”

The Major echoed the Sheriff’s statements adding he was overwhelmed at the response of our community.

“I would like to thank the Parker County Sheriff’s Office and all of the volunteers who helped a stranger find a lost dog,” the Major said. “The community of Weatherford and Parker County is truly a special one.”