James Pack, a Vietnam veteran, faced an incredibly tough time after suffering a heart attack that left him in critical condition. While James was in the hospital fighting for his life, his two beloved dogs, Bailey and Blaze, were placed in the care of the First State Animal Center and SPCA. The shelter, located within a PetSmart store in Newark, Delaware, intended to look after his dogs until he could recover.

Unfortunately, James’s recovery took longer than expected. When he finally left the hospital and rushed to the shelter to be reunited with Bailey and Blaze, he was met with heartbreaking news. According to the shelter’s policy, the dogs had been put up for adoption during his long absence. Although both dogs were still available for adoption, James found himself unable to afford the $250 adoption fee.