Dog from Colorado Springs reunited with family after owner’s death

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Colorado Springs dog made a 1,700 mile-trek across the country after her owner passed away and his final wish was to have his dog safely delivered to his daughter.

Jack lived in Colorado Springs with his wife and Samantha, a 14-year-old golden-lab mix. As he got older, he made the arrangements to have his dog live with his daughter, Linda, should he pass away before the pup.

Jack passed away earlier this month. Due to personal circumstances at the time, including Linda's own dog battling cancer, it was impossible for her to travel from Pennsylvania to Colorado to pick up Samantha. Since Samantha is an old dog, her vet said absolutely no flying for the pooch.

That's when Harley's Hope stepped in, raising money to safely drive Samantha safely in a retrofitted van to be with her owner's daughter.

Harley's Hope Foundation executive director, Cynthia Bullock, said this case is all about commitment.

"The commitment of HHF to both Samantha and her family to make sure she is safe, loved, and gets to where she needs to be. Samantha’s story also reminds us that pet parents must prepare for illness, injury, old age and all it entails, as well as making our wishes known should our pets outlive us," Bullock said.

Harley's Hope wants to remind all pet owners:

·      Pet parents having a plan in place should something happen to them

·      The importance to a pet plan in writing to prevent euthanization

·      The importance of honoring your pet and the unconditional love they have given you throughout their lives

You can watch Samantha being reunited with Linda here.