Lubbock veteran offers reward for stolen therapy dog

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LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - They say a dog is man's best friend, but one local Marine veteran calls his four-legged companions his lifelines.

"It's no different than losing a child," Art Gomez said.

On Monday, Art Gomez's pet Maltese, Kaep, was stolen from his business near Ave. T on 50th St. Gomez was taking care of a customer when Kaep and his Yorkie, Crab, were playing outside his shop. When he called for them to come back inside, only Crab returned.

"He did not run off," Gomez said. "I don't understand how somebody would take a pet – how somebody would take a little angel with a tail as I like to call it."

Gomez served in Iraq in 2003 and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2005. He struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. Kaep and Crab are not trained service dogs, but Gomez said they serve a similar purpose.

"All veterans have PTSD," Gomez said. "Some deal with PTSD in different ways. I chose to deal with my issues by bringing a pet into my home. They keep you from being lonely – too lonely – and allow you to focus on them by being loving and [affectionate]."

To Gomez, Kaep is more than just a pet – he's a member of his family, and Gomez is determined to bring him home.

"He's not just a dog to me," Gomez said. "I've made every effort possible to try and find my dog and try to locate him. I've done everything possible."

Gomez said people have spotted Kaep inside a red car. He is offering a $300 reward for his safe return. Gomez can be contacted at (806) 445-2191.