Service dog missing as mother/daughter recovers from Tuesday wreck

Editor’s note: Bonnie was found on Thursday, August 29, and has been safely reunited with her family.

CALLAHAN COUNTY, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – Just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, mother of three, Brandy Saltsman, was on her way from her home in Clyde to a Neurologist appointment in Brownwood, her 8-month-old, Dahlia, and service dog, Bonnie, in tow. Saltsman said she cannot remember anything before they were involved in a wreck at the intersection of U.S. 283 and Highway 36 south of Baird. The couple in the other vehicle were treated for non-incapacitating injuries, while she suffered a broken back and her infant daughter a broken femur. Her service dog is still nowhere to be found.

“All I can remember is screaming for my service dog and my baby, anything further than that I can’t tell you.” Saltsman told KTAB/KRBC.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, however preliminary reports from law enforcement state Saltsman, who was headed south down 283 failed to yield right of way to the traffic along 36. Her vehicle was T-boned by a westbound SUV. Saltsman saying, while she cannot remember exactly what happened. It is possible she lost consciousness due to her suffering from Neuro cardiac Syncope which at times can cause her to pass out. Her service dog Bonnie normally alerting her of such an episode before it happens.

Saltsman does recall being taken to the hospital via ambulance. At the time all she knew was that she and her daughter had been in some kind of accident and her main concern was her child’s wellbeing.

“We were in the ambulance and I was sitting there holding her hand while the cop was holding her next to me. All I could ask was is my baby okay? Is she okay? Is something wrong?” Said Saltsman.

Both the mom and baby are now at home under the care of her husband, her mother-in-law makes her way down to Texas to help look after them and her other two young boys so that dad can go back to work. Saltsman saying she is extremely grateful that all parties involved in the wreck survived.

“I mean all I’ve done is hold my daughter and cry, thanking God that he let us live. I feel very lucky that we’re still alive because it could have ended much worse than what it did.” Saltsman said.

With all human lives accounted for, the focus has shifted to the whereabouts of her service dog, Bonnie. She is described as a “Husky-like” breed, wearing a green service vest and purple collar. Last seen, according to Saltsman, she headed south down U.S. 283 towards Coleman.

“My service dog is posted everywhere and people are trying to help find her.” Said Saltsman.

Her social media posts are gaining traction, and some kind souls are making their way up and down the area searching for Bonnie. Saltsman says she and her husband have also left a few articles of their clothing near the scene of the wreck in hopes of Bonnie finding her way back by scent.

“They’re out knocking on doors driving up and down the intersection. I feel like, happy knowing that there’s actually still good people out there in the world.” Saltsman said.

If you have seen Bonnie or have information that could lead to her return, you can call the Callahan County Sheriff’s office at the non-emergency line, 325-854-1444, or contact Saltsman by phone at 254-595-2605.

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