Aberdeen, N.C. — Community members have rallied around a disabled veteran who had to give up dozens of dogs because he couldn't take care of them.

The veteran, who asked to remain unnamed, said he gave up his 50 dogs because he could no longer care for them and wanted them to have a better life.

Animal Advocates of Moore County and Moore County Animal Control took in the dogs and have spayed or neutered them and will adopt them out.

However, WRAL viewers have started a grassroots effort to help the veteran build a fence so that he can keep some of his dogs. The group is also collecting dog food and other supplies.

A local company has volunteered to build the fence for free. If he can collect enough fencing materials, the veteran says he would like to build kennels and runs, so he could care for the dogs of deployed soldiers.

The dog owner served in the Army and Navy and suffered several war wounds. He said he was injured at work a few years ago and has been fighting to get $20,000 in workers compensation since. He walks with a cane, and his wife also has health problems.

In the meantime, the veteran wasn't able to keep up his mobile home, but, he said, the dogs "come first."

The veteran said the dogs are his life and the only reason he's alive today. He had contemplated suicide in the past but didn't want to leave the dogs with no one to care for them.

He spent all his money on feeding and caring for the dogs, and slept outside with them every night on a straw bed under a tarp in the treeline, the owner said.

The veteran said many of the dogs he took in had been abandoned. He lives in area where many people dump dogs on the street, and he couldn't stand to see them suffer, the veteran said.

Animal Control officers said the dogs were in good physical condition and did not appear to be abused or neglected.

People wishing to help care for the animals can also call Animal Advocates at 910-944-5098 or send donations to

Animal Advocates of Moore County
22-A Ridgeline Road
Aberdeen, N.C. 28315