Firefighters spotted veteran with a pig and dog holding a sign — one look at the message made them hit the brakes
The ability to observe and act the right way is crucial for many professionals. So when a group of firefighters noticed a man standing on the street with a sign, a dog and a pig, they knew something was amiss and decided to stop by for a closer look. They found that the man was a veteran from Portland and had been living in a car with his dog and pig. He really needed help after a series of unfortunate events. The department decided to stop by and get just that for him, per KGW News.
"We do see people holding signs every day. You know, let's see if we can help this guy," Jethro Warnke, community health EMT, remarked. The team from Portland Fire's Community Health Assess and Treat program saw the man, Tony James, standing with a sign that read, "Veteran trying to get back home! Anything helps!" James explained, "I was just trying to get dog food and gas for the car." The officers, Warnke and Aaron Botteron, stopped close to James and asked him about his situation. "We don't know why people are in situations they are in," Warnke went on. They later realized that the man was living in his car with a 250-pound pig, Roscoe and a dog, Elvis.
Both animals had a lot of sentimental value attached to them, as they were the only connection James had with his late girlfriend of 13 years. "He doesn't even know he is a pig. He thinks he is a dog if anything," James said about Roscoe. "It's the last thing I have of my significant other, so he means everything to me. He's like a child." The woman had died of a heart attack a few months earlier, just a month after the couple moved into the car with Elvis and Roscoe. "I had complications from surgery, basically. So, I wasn't able to pay my rent and I lost my house." He added, "I told my story to some people who were willing to listen to me and they were the only people who even opened an ear to hear me. I'm so thankful for it."
"Making that human connection with someone in his situation may seem challenging, but we're able to help," Warnke expressed. Through the reunification program that allows people living on the street to get together with their families, the two officials decided to help James get back to his dad in Chicago. "His dad was on board to have him come home," Botteron, a community health paramedic, continued. "I want to put myself back together. Grieve and start again," the 44-year-old pointed out. The team got in touch with Light House Farm Sanctuary, which agreed to take Roscoe in. "There are going to be a lot of tears," James said. "I got tonight to spend with him."
The man was thankful for all the help he received. "I'm so grateful. Literally, from the bottom of my heart, I really appreciate it." People appreciated the gesture from the officials in the comments section of the video. @sandralutz-rodriguez2864 wrote, "Thank you, Portland Fire, for helping out! And thank you to Lighthouse Animal Sanctuary for taking his lovely pig in!" @Luv4Animals7777 commented, "This is a good man, a man who loves animals. He is a pure soul. Oh my goodness, his pig is adorable." @Christynmaine remarked, "Every homeless person has a story. We just need to listen."
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