German Shepherd Survives A Month Trapped In Kennel After Owner Dies

A German Shepherd was found barely clinging to life, surviving a month on only rainwater and little food. 

He was locked in a kennel, only discovered after Oklahoma County deputies went to the home and found his owner dead inside. 

Surviving a month outside in the heat, the dog was found Saturday in terrible shape, covered in sores and parasites. 

“When you watch him, his emotions are gone. We haven't got him to wag his tail,” said Misty Williams with Woodlake Animal Hospital. 

“He doesn’t bite, he doesn't nip, he doesn’t bark at you, but he's sad,” said Aaron Brilbeck, spokesman for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. 

His eyes say it all. 

For the past month the German Shepherd was locked inside a kennel, left to fend for himself after his beloved owner died of natural causes, just feet away inside his house. 

“He's mourning, somebody loved him for a long time,” said Williams. 

“I think he's emotionally damaged right now because shepherds are so loyal,” said Carolyn Couch with Woodlake Animal Hospital. 

Deputies went to the home near Luther to conduct a welfare check. 

And while there was nothing the deputy could do for the man, he was determined to help the dog. 

“This dog survived an entire month under horrible conditions, this dog deserves to live,” said Brilbeck.       

Several phone calls later the deputy found an animal hospital willing to care for him. 

“I saw him and was like you look like a Gunner,” said Couch. 

With a new name and lease on life Gunner's caretakers hope to eventually find him a loving forever home. 

“He wants love, he wants to find that next step in his life he just needs a little bit of motivation to get there,” said Couch. 

Gunner will go to the man's family. If you'd like to help with his care, you can donate to the Woodlake Animal Angel fund.