A tearful reunion between a United States Army veteran and his English bulldog named “Oakley” on Friday morning came as a result of the hard work of JCSD Deputy Regina Newton.

Deputy Newton responded on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, to a report of an aggressive bulldog on Toombs Road in northern Jones County. Upon arrival, Deputy Newton was able to speak with the complainant and discovered that the complainant was terrified of dogs. This led her to believe the bulldog, which was jumping up on her,  was showing aggression when apparently the dog was just seeking attention , food, and water.

The complainant told Deputy Newton that the dog was now chained to a tree since she thought he was aggressive, she didn’t know the owner, and the bulldog was roaming the area.

Deputy Newton went to the bulldog’s location where it was chained, recognized the bulldog was in physical distress, and in need of food and water. Deputy Newton rescued the bulldog, whose owner was unknown, and contacted Murray Windham who is a private animal rescuer. Windham advised Deputy Newton to take the bulldog to Sawmill Animal Hospital where he was scanned for a microchip. A microchip was located with information on the owner of the bulldog who lives with his wife in Perryton, Texas in the Texas Panhandle.

According to the owner of the bulldog, Ryan Anthony, his bulldog Oakley was last seen approximately three years ago when he was living in Mississippi. Oakley is now ten years old. The circumstances surrounding Oakley’s time in Jones County is under investigation by Deputy Newton.

Oakley was reunited with Ryan Anthony this morning at Sawmill Animal Hospital in what was described as a joyful reunion with a lot of tears shed. Oakley is now on his way home with the Anthony family.

“This has been a wonderful way to end a long week at work with a beautiful reunion between a U.S. Army combat veteran and his best friend Oakley,” said Newton. “These are the days that animal advocates live for.”