Veteran gets help with service dog's medical bills

What a happy difference some publicity can make.

William Cole is an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran. "After four deployments, it took its toll on me ... I went the service dog route, and it ended up being the best decision I've ever made," Cole told Fox News on Sunday.

When Hank escaped the backyard and got hit by a car, Sgt. Cole was faced with a huge medical bill: $11,200. Hank suffered a fractured spine, broken shoulder blades, and had to have part of his lung removed. The treatment is still ongoing, so that medical bill is likely to keep going up -- but check out his GoFundMe page now: He raised around $25,000 after that weekend appearance on Fox News.

The pair was also featured on the San Antonio Express-News, which gave more background on Hank and Sgt. Cole's relationship. Sgt. Cole, who suffered from PTSD after his four deployments, told the paper: "I was going through a real rough time, and Hank would put his head on my lap ... even when he's injured now, he's still trying to help me."

Hank, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, is still in treatment at Texas A&M's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. He has an appointment this week, and Sgt. Cole told Fox News it's possible that Hank will need a lifetime of care because his injuries were so severe.

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