I know the unbearable pain of losing someone I love…..BUT…. I also know the overwhelming feeling of love when in the darkest hours of sorrow, someone does something small to show they care. I didn’t write these words, nor did I take these photos….but I had to share the story. It’s my home town….and that’s what we do….support each other! <3

A story of a boy and his dog………..

‘The Story of Gonzo’

Hello-
My name is Jamie (Vallo) Margiotti. I was raised in Blairsville, PA and Karen McMillan is a long time friend of mine. I currently reside in Dallas, TX.

On Sunday afternoon (2/3), Karen received a phone call from the Louisiana SPCA. They told her that Gonzo was in their possession and if he wasn’t claimed in five days by Friday (2/8), he would be put to sleep. Karen knew that Gonzo was always by her son, Corey McMillan’s, side. She knew something terrible must have happened. Corey had his wallet, ID and phone stolen about three weeks ago. Karen really didn’t have any way of getting ahold of him. So, she put up a post on facebook asking anyone in the area to please go and get Gonzo from the shelter before Friday while in the meantime she tried to contact her son.

After Corey graduated from HS in 2008, he attended West Virginia University. For the past two years, he has been a traveler. He and a group of people jump trains and travel from city to city. In the past two years, he has traveled to 19 states. For the entire two years, Gonzo has been by his side. This group of travelers have nothing but their belongings in their backpacks. They frequent shelters and carry signs on the streets asking for money. Corey loved this way of life and his goal was to see every state. Regardless of how little money Corey had, he always made sure that Gonzo was cared for. He was up-to-date on his vaccines and always fed dog food. He would never give him table scraps. Gonzo meant everything to Corey. Example, he got a new sleeping bag from one of the shelters. When he slept in it that night, he realized that it was too small for both he and Gonzo. When Karen sent Corey his birthday money, Corey went to Wal-Mart and bought a sleeping bag big enough for two people…Corey and Gonzo.

A few hours after Karen received the phone call from the shelter on 2/3, she received a phone call from authorities saying that Corey had passed away. When the authorities found Corey, Gonzo was there and was running around like crazy. He was basically freaking out because he knew something had happened to his companion. This is how and when Gonzo was placed in the shelter. Since Corey didn’t have an ID, wallet nor phone, he essentially was a John Doe. Thankfully, Corey had Gonzo microchipped. The shelter was able to reach Karen because she was the contact number.

When word spread about Corey’s death and the situation with Gonzo, everybody started to reach out. I received a phone call during the Super Bowl that Corey had passed away. Soon after, everyone began finding out. I told my friend who called me to tell Karen that I would do whatever I could to save Gonzo. I have five dogs of my own who are the only children I have. They are my life. So, Gonzo was now my mission. Karen called me the following morning and we began to plan. I told her that I would take care of it for her because she had enough other things to plan for. People were reaching out to her on facebook offering to get Gonzo out of the shelter. I began contacting all of these people. I have never spoken with so many strangers in my life who were so willing to help. We had multiple plans in place. Three of Corey’s longtime friends Samantha Krall, Jayme Borbonus and Ashley Brooks decided that they wanted to drive down to Louisiana to get Gonzo because Corey was their “brother”. I contacted the shelter and took care of the logistics. When his friends would arrive, all fees would be paid for and permission would be given by Karen for these kids to sign for Gonzo.

They hopped in a car on Monday afternoon and on Tuesday at 4:00pm, they picked Gonzo up from the shelter in Louisiana. Plans were also in place for them to drive to Baton Rogue to meet some of Corey’s traveling friends to pick up his belongings. Karen sent me a picture of Gonzo on the ride home and I’ve never seen a dog smile so big. They all returned safely to Blairsville on Wednesday evening.

Karen and her family went through Corey’s backpack last night (2/6). He had everything packed meticulously. Gonzo laid by that backpack and wouldn’t move. In the backpack, there was a Wal-Mart bag with some of Corey’s dirty clothes. When they pulled that bag out, Gonzo laid on top of it and stayed there. He was with Corey.

Tonight (2/7), Gonzo will be reunited with his beloved owner. The funeral home has made special arrangements to have Gonzo and Corey’s mother, father, brother and sister, see Corey for the first time. The viewing is tomorrow, Friday (2/8) from 2-9pm.

Gonzo has become the most famous dog. This story is the most powerful story I have ever known about in my 35 years on earth. Gonzo will carry on a life. Gonzo is loved by hundreds and hundreds of people.

I truly believe that Gonzo is a guardian angel. Without Gonzo, Corey may have never been identified. Corey will live on through Gonzo and help the entire family and friends go through the grieving process. The McMillan chain is missing a link but they will be strong enough to continue Corey’s journey someday with Gonzo as their guide and an angel by their sides.

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re reading this for the first time, here’s an update since Gonzo’s been home: https://jenmckenphoto.com/2013/02/update-gonzos-gone-viral/

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