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Grand Rapids veteran raising money for surgery after support puppy hit by car

Posted at 10:34 PM, Aug 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-22 08:09:56-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A Grand Rapids veteran is asking for help after his support dog was hit by a car.

Josh Gunneson says when he let his dogs out Monday night they took off across the street.  His 13-week-old German shepherd Freya was hit.

Freya was supposed to start training in about a month to become Gunneson's certified support animal. After seeing two veterinarians in Grand Rapids, the dog is now at Michigan State University's Veterinary Medical Center for surgery for fractures on her jaw and front elbow Wednesday morning.

The surgery is expected to cost between $6,000 to $7,000, but Gunneson says having Freya around is something you can't put a price on.

“It’s improved my mood, it’s improved my emotional status, it’s helped me with my depression and anxiety," Gunneson said. "I had a week's stay at the VA medical hospital in Battle Creek, and that’s when I decided that I need something, and that’s when we got her."

Two different organizations that work with MSU will be helping with Freya's medical costs, but Gunneson still needs to raise $4,000.  If you'd like to donate, you can do so on the Freya's Fund Facebook page or call the MSU Veterinary Center directly at 517-353-5420 and mention Gunneson or Freya's name.