Good Samaritans Save Disabled Veteran’s Dog From Death

After being accused of biting a neighbor, Mimi — service dog to disabled veteran Steven Woods — was taken from her home. The neighbor took Mimi to court three months after the incident, despite initially claiming it was not Mimi who had bit him. On Veteran’s Day, a two-day court battle ended with a judge ruling Mimi a “dangerous dog.”

The judge gave Woods 15 days to pay a $500 dangerous dog registration fee, the impounding fees of $16 a day for six weeks, the cost to neuter Mimi, build a six foot fence and purchase a $100,000 liability insurance policy. If Steven did not follow these requirements, Mimi would be put to death. Steven Woods’ monthly disability check is nowhere near enough to pay the fines — leaving him fearful he would never get his beloved companion back.

Thanks to generous animal lovers around the world, donations were quickly sent to pay the fees needed to bring Mimi home. In the end, it was an emotional and happy reunion. Randy Turner, Steven’s lawyer, expressed his gratitude to all who supported them:

“I want to say again how profoundly grateful that Steven and I are for the incredible outpouring of support that he and Mimi received from all over the DFW area, Texas, the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Thanks to your countless emails and phone calls to Ft. Worth government officials we were able to get Mimi back home without months of protracted litigation that, quite frankly, we might have lost in the end.

On a personal level, the response we received in this case has given a big boost to my faith in two-legged animals. I have been amazed at the diversity of Steven’s supporters — liberal, conservative, young, old, black, white — every demographic you can think of. This case just shows how much good can be accomplished when people come together for a good cause, like saving an animal and helping a disabled war veteran.”

Congratulations to Steven and Mimi on their reunion and thank you to all who supported them. Your support truly makes a difference.

–

Due to an excessive amount of emails, Steven and Randy have a hard time responding to all of their supporters’ kind words. Steven has shared a link to his Facebook page for any updates of Mimi.

Photo Courtesy of Randy Turner

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Effie L.

10:30PM PDT on May 21, 2013

A picture is worth a thousand words! Thanks for the photo and the story. And great thanks to all those who pulled together and stood for Steven and Mimi!

May 21
send a green star

Frances D.

8:20AM PDT on May 21, 2013

Let's hope they live happily ever after

Mary D.

12:07PM PDT on May 20, 2013

It should be illegal to sue-whatever service dogs. They cost thousands to train, and they give comfort and safety that's beyond comprehension.

May 20
send a green star

Sheri D.

8:16AM PDT on May 19, 2013

I'm happy for them.

May 19
send a green star

Mary L.

3:40PM PDT on May 16, 2013

And just like the 37 attempts to destroy the Affordable Healthcare Law, Fort Worth, so very unworthy, is trying again.

May 16
send a green star

S. N.

11:36AM PDT on May 16, 2013

Steven's lawyer should now go the extra mile and turn the tables on the neighbor by slapping a lawsuit on it for perjury and causing emotional distress and hardship during the time that Steven was without his service companion ...

Kathleen G.

10:45AM PDT on May 16, 2013

Sad story of the lengths some people will go to to have a neighbors dog put down,even when it is a service dog.Such cruel,bitter people. It was so nice to see this horror story ends with Mimi going home to be with Steven who went to war to protect the US,but yet was prosecuted and heavily fined for something this stupid neighbor lied about.There was no justice served here,this man was going to lose his lifeline,his service dog because of this.Many thanks to everyone that cared and sent donations to save Mimi,without these wonderful people all over the world,this story would have ended badly.

EcRo E.

10:29PM PDT on May 11, 2013

CONGRATULATIONS Steven Woods, and It is an honor to say Thank You for your service to protect our country. Happiness always to you and to Mimi. & thank you Randy Turner...you sound like a great lawyer !!!!!