Oklahoma City man experiencing homelessness reunited with lost dog

John Waller often spends his time sitting on a corner in Downtown Oklahoma City, waving at people and hanging out with his dog, Buddy.

However, when Buddy is taken while John slept, he says his entire world turns upside down.

Waller said he searched everywhere Downtown, but could not find Buddy. John says his mental health began to decline until a good Samaritan discovered the real story behind Buddy's disappearance on social media.

Kristin Fine said she was searching through Facebook group pages when she discovered a family who was visiting the area had seen Buddy, but thought he was a stray.

The family took Buddy to Oklahoma City Animal Welfare, but stray holds only last three days at the shelter, which was already over capacity.

"Knowing John, I knew he probably didn’t have papers on Buddy," Fine said. "His stray hold is coming up, so I went up there first thing in the morning, and the shelter staff gave us the option of bringing John to the shelter, which we coordinated."

Fine said after bringing Waller to the shelter, the man was finally reunited with his long-lost pet and friend.

“We go there in person and this little boy decides to break out of jail," Waller said. "Ever since he’s come back, he hasn’t left my side."

Oklahoma City Animal Welfare says they are over capacity and only taking sick, injured, or aggressive dogs. Shelters in nearby communities are also reporting capacity problems.

When stray holds are over, many dogs are often euthanized.

Adoptions and fosters are in dire need at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare. You can contact the shelter by visiting in person at 2811 SE 29th St, Oklahoma City, or by calling (405) 297-3100.