Dog News

U.S. Soldier to Reunite with His Dog Sold on Craigslist by Ex

by Katherine

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For Robert Gabbert, a soldier based in Fort Carson, Colo., and deployed to Afghanistan this past March, finding out his heartless ex-girlfriend sold his three-year-old Shiba Inu pet named Baxter on Craigslist, was one of the darkest days he has experienced. Fortunately, the veteran was able to find Baxter’s buyers and the two will be reunited once his tour of service is over.

When Gabbert’s relationship came to an end, he expected his ex-girlfirend to return his pet to his family. The woman however, posted the dog on Craigslist and got rid of it. When the soldier found out his pet was sold, he too jumped on the same website and pleaded to get his dog back.

Robert Gabbert and Baxter. Photo Credit: Facebook
Robert Gabbert and Baxter. Photo Credit: Facebook

 

“I am currently deployed and my ex sold my dog,” posted Gabbert. “I just found out and I am trying to find the people (person) who bought him. I will pay anything to get him back. His name is Baxter and he is a Shiba Inu. I do not have my phone with me. You can email me. The phone number is my mom’s she is helping me locate him. If you have any information PLEASE give us a call or an email.”

Gabbert’s post went viral and animal lovers joined in to help find Baxter.

Karen Fraley, the soldier’s mother, learned Baxter had been purchased by another military family with small children. She contacted them, and asked them to return the dog, but they refused at first because Baxter had been with them for a week and the children were already attached.

“My child is attached to the dog,” Fraley told KOAA. “Just because he is older doesn’t mean he is not my child.”

Fortunately for Gabbert, Baxter’s new family agreed to return the dog and the Gabberts are planning on helping the other military family find a new pet of their own.

Once Robert gets back to U.S. soil, he will be greeted with lots of wet kisses and tail wags from Braxter.