Charger is not only a loyal companion to a Connecticut veteran who fought two tours overseas, but he also helps him deal with stress.
"We do a stressful job, and it's really hard to leave everything in the past," Army Veteran Sgt. James Rizzio, of Derby, said, noting that he had a hard time adjusting back into society after serving six years in the military.
So, he adopted 2-year-old Charger from the Wolcott Dog Pound. Rizzio said the dog has made all the difference. Charger is a sweet pup with a lot of love and a lot of luck.
Now Rizzio and his dog, Charger need some help.
Months after losing their home and possession in a fire, Charger needed emergency surgery and Rizzo needs some help paying for it.
"I really thought i was going to lose him and that would have been the most devastating thing that would have happened to me," Rizzio said.
Rizzio, a student studying to be a flight nurse, rescued from the Wolcott Dog Pound in February 2014.
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Just over a year later, Charger was injured in a fire that destroyed their Derby home and possessions. The dog suffered from smoke inhalation and lung damage, according to the GoFundMe page that has been set up.
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Posted by Wolcott Dog Pound on Tuesday, November 10, 2015
“Poor Jim has finally started to crawl back from the last bills from the fire and now he and Charger are once again faced with the unimaginable !!!!!,” Wolcott Animal Control posted on its Facebook page. “ Please take a moment and read the go fund me and PLEASE (try) to find it in your heart to help them out !!!! Jim is a veteran and has gone way over and above with his life and his commitment to Charger !!!!”
Rizzio was at work when the fire happened, but his companion ended up trapped inside. Firefighters pulled Charger to saftety and he was hurt, but he survived.
"Ended up doing CPR and ended up bringing him back," Rizzio said.
For two months, they were apart Charger recovered from his injuries.
Now that the duo is back together, they are dealing with more difficulties. Just when Rizzio finished paying those medical bills, another hit. Just days ago, Charger needed immediate gastro-intestinal surgery to remove a blockage, and the costs are mounting.
"At that point it was okay we need to have the surgery, I'll figure out how to get the money," Rizzio said.
While Charger is now up and about, wagging his tail and healing, his owner is left wondering how he'll pay for the nearly $7,000 veterinarian bill.
With the fire and surgery, Rizzio said Charger has cost more than $11,000 this year.
But for a dog that gives so much to the Army veteran who has given a lot for his country, Charger is worth every penny.
"I really don't know what I would do if he wasn't here," Rizzio said.
As of Wednesday night at 11 p.m., donors had pledged surpassed the $5,000 goal, donating $7,645.
