SAN ANTONIO -- An 80-year-old Army veteran and a rescue group out of Dallas are now facing off in court. At issue is the veteran's dog, Olaf the Westie. The court will determine where Olaf calls home.
Spectrum News was the first outlet to tell you about this story back in July.
We interviewed veteran Jim Martin several days after he said his dog got out and the agency Lone Star Westie Rescue refused to give him back. The group argued the dog was in bad shape and had infections.
Friday marked the first time either side has come to court for this case. Since day one there's been a lot of emotions shared on both sides.
With a team of attorneys, neighbors, and supporters by his side, Martin's fight to get his Westie Olaf back is now taking place in Bexar County civil court.
Since the beginning, the agency Lone Star Westie Rescue has argued the dog was in poor health when he was found and that Martin signed a contract upon adoption years ago, agreeing they would keep the dog if it was determined he was in poor health.
For more than 40 days Olaf has been living with a foster somewhere in the San Antonio area.
Martin has not and cannot come in contact with the dog.
"He's been without his dog now since July 20th and he misses him terribly. It's his only living companion, the dog he lives with. He doesn't have family or kids or any family in San Antonio or Texas for that matter. He misses his dog and wants him back. We hope that will happen soon," said Martin's attorney, Zandra Anderson.
The rescue group's attorneys did not offer any comment about the case. They are expected back in court for a hearing on Friday Sept. 14.
PREVIOUS: