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Couple Killed By Drunk Driver Needs Home For Their Beloved Dogs

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on April 14, 2022

In a recent tragedy, a couple was killed by a drunk driver during a police chase in California. Aaron McDonald, 31, and Irene Jaramillo, 30, were planning a wedding for the summer. But when they were driving home after Irene’s birthday celebration on April 2nd, a drunk driver struck their car and killed both of them.

Now, an animal rescue group is trying to find a home for their two dogs. The dogs were like the couple’s babies, so they are confused and lonely without them. It will take a while for the canine companions to grieve, but they still need to find the best home possible.

Homeless dogs as puppies
Facebook

An Unexpected Tragedy

24-year-old Alejandro Canchola was driving under the influence during a police chase when he hit the couple’s vehicle. Both cars crashed into a nearby home, but luckily, no one in the house was hurt. McDonald and Jaramillo were rushed to the hospital, but they were pronounced dead when they got there.

Canchola and his passenger were sent to the hospital for minor injuries. Canchola is expected to face murder charges. Since the crash, the couple’s loved ones have gathered at the scene to set up a memorial with flowers.

Engaged couple died
screenshot, abc7.com

“Anyone who knew Irene knew what a kind and caring soul she was. Anyone who knew Aaron knew how kind and what a hard worker he was,” a friend wrote. “Irene and Aaron’s family have jointly agreed to continue their love legacy. As they planned their upcoming wedding this summer, their families will honor their love by laying them to rest together.”

All their family and friends are heartbroken, but their dogs are especially sad. They had a Cane Corso named Apollo and a Pit Bull mix named Rocky. Both dogs have no idea where their humans went, and they’re sad to be without them.

Couple killed in crash
Facebook

The Perfect Home for Apollo and Rocky

West Coast Cane Corso Rescue stepped in to find a home for Rocky and Apollo. They’re currently taking donations to help them support the two dogs, and they’ve already received several applications to adopt the heartbroken pups.

“Irene and Aaron left behind Apollo and Rocky, their dear Cane Corso and Pit Bull Mix. Rocky and Apollo were so loved by Irene and Aaron, they were their babies,” the rescue wrote on Facebook.

Dog laying on couch
Facebook

If any friends or family of the couple want to adopt Apollo and Rocky, they will have priority, and the adoption fees will be waived for them. The rescue wants to ensure that the transition to a new home is as familiar and comfortable as possible. However, the dogs are not bonded and don’t need to be adopted together.

The rescue is still accepting applications for these pups, so please fill out the adoption form if you’re interested in giving them a home. Staff members will ensure that they find the most suitable homes possible.

Sleepy Cane Corso
Facebook

H/T: people.com
Featured Image: Facebook and screenshot, abc7.com

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