SAN ANTONIO -- Spectrum News is following the story of the 80-year-old Army veteran's battle to keep his dog. Spectrum News was the first to tell you about this story last week - just days after the man says he lost his dog and the rescue group refused to give him back.

The group has argued the dog was in bad shape and had infections.

The story has created a social media firestorm, and now legal action could be on the way.

ORIGINAL STORY: Senior citizen begs rescue group for dog return 

"Most of the time I'm optimistic, I try to stay optimistic. Otherwise it would cause me to just give up. Don't want to," said veteran Jim Martin.

Martin has kept the same hopeful feeling for almost two weeks. Now, armed with an attorney, and even more allies and neighbors, he's gearing up to take action.

"He seems to be very well tuned in, very knowledgeable, and very successful," Martin said of his attorney. 

The Bexar County District Attorney's Office is looking into the case.

"So far what we've seen and what we've heard, it seems to be more of a civil issue than a criminal issue at this point," said Bexar County District Attorney's Office Chief Criminal Investigator Willie Ng.

Ng says no official reports have been filed with the courts. However, there are still at least two crucial documents Ng hasn't seen. One is Martin's contact with Lone Star Westie Rescue, signed four years ago. The other is the original report from the veterinarian who examined Olaf right after he was found.

Ng said he hasn't been able to make contact yet.

"We would have to go to the location and request them. If they refuse to give them, we would issue a court order subpoena asking for those records so we can review them. That way we know what kind of condition the dog was in at the time," Ng said. 

As Ng continues the investigation and social media continues to run its course on both sides, Martin remains hopeful and thankful.

"I had no idea that the amount of effort and people could be tied in to one little dog. He's a sweet guy, and I'm grateful that they're willing to do it because I really would like to get him back," Martin said.

We did reach out to the Lone Star Westie Rescue for comment on these developments. We have not heard back.