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Man With Cerebral Palsy Can’t Eat Or Sleep Until Missing Dog Returns

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 September 6, 2022

A man named Bailey has cerebral palsy and is severely handicapped. So, he has an English Bulldog named Max, who acts as an emotional support dog for him. Max helps calm Bailey down and makes daily activities easier.

When Max went missing, Bailey’s world was turned upside down. His dad, Sgt. Jonathan Gaither said Bailey was struggling to eat and sleep without Max. Every day the dog and human duo are apart, the worse it gets. The family from Tallapoosa County, Alabama, is begging for Max’s safe return with no questions asked because they just want Bailey to feel well again.

Bulldog kissing man with cerebral palsy
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Family Panics Over Missing Dog

It’s always scary to not know where your dog is, but it’s even scarier when it affects a family member’s health. According to Gaither, Bailey hasn’t been able to function properly without his furry friend to comfort him. He has barely slept, struggled to hold down food, and experienced immense pain in the 35 days Max has been gone.

“Please help us find & bring Max home! We know he is still in the area! He is our son’s emotional support animal! Max has been gone for 35 days! Since he has been missing, Bailey (our extreme handicap son with cerebral palsy) has not been sleeping, holding down much food, his pain level has doubled due to stress & tension on his fragile weak body, and his INR rates have gone to extremely dangerous highs to extremely dangerous lows and his bp will not stabilize!” Max’s family wrote.

Man with cerebral palsy
Facebook

The family also shared several photos, including two of Bailey with Max and two of him after his pup went missing. With Max, Bailey has a huge smile on his face, but without him, he looks heartbroken and depressed.

Help Reunite Max and Bailey!

Not only is Max an emotional support dog, but he also has some special needs of his own. He needs daily medications and a specific diet. The family said he’s more than a dog to them; he’s their baby and an important family member. They’re offering a $2,500 reward to anyone who returns him.

“Please just return him! No questions asked, $2500.00 reward given! My son’s health is worth more than anything you might need Max for! Our son’s health is declining, and he doesn’t understand!”

Man with cerebral palsy and Bulldog
Facebook

RELATED: Girl With Cerebral Palsy Posts Emotional Plea For Her Stolen Dog’s Return

It’s unclear how Max disappeared, but someone likely has him since his breed is in high demand. If that’s the case, the family is begging that person to do the right thing.

If you know where Max is, you can contact Gaither at the Auburn Police Department by calling 334-501-3110. You can also alert news personality Elizabeth White at ewhite@wrbl.com or through Facebook. Hopefully, Max and Bailey can be together again soon.

Featured Image: Facebook

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