Pit bull finds new loving home after veteran owner dies

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Vietnam veteran had one last wish before he died: to make sure his beloved pets found good homes.

At Riverside National Cemetary a military funeral was held for veteran Dana Collins, and his faithful companion, Partner, followed his master one last time.

"Partner was his companion. That was his love," Collins' sister, Dede Roat, said. "I promised him I would take care of the animals, but it was Partner that I couldn't find a home for."

But time was running out to find Partner a home. Roat, who lives in Dallas, has dogs of her own and couldn't take in another one.

Then fate stepped in and Partner found a home with someone who ran a pet resort in east Texas, Vicki Cooper. She has pit bulls of her own and she recently started a new venture for pets that outlive their owners called Pet Haven.

"He's a large male pit, and people are afraid of pits sometimes. He's wonderful," Cooper said. "This pet is going to be brought to the ranch in Texas and live out their life in a wonderful, happy environment."

She flew out to meet the 6-year-old pit bull, who will be Pet Haven's first resident. He will now spend the rest of his days on a ranch in east Texas instead of an animal shelter facing an uncertain future.