Benton Mayor Helps Veteran Get Furry Companion
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: August 5, 2012
Veteran Mark Fitzhugh served as a part of the marine corps for five years and has both visible and non-visible scars from his service.
Fitzhugh doesn't require a service dog, but said he does find it hard being around people and so depends on animals for companionship.
Recently he asked for a military discount at his local shelter for a new friend when he was told instead Benton Mayor David Mattingly would cover the costs of adopting the dog.
"I can't stand or sit for too long I have nerve damage," said Fitzhugh. "So I live off my disability which isn't much and him picking-up the bill really helped us out quite a bit. My dog's are my best friends so there's no better present that someone could have given me."
Mayor Mattingly was given the honor of naming the dog and he picked lady bug after he and his wife's favorite furry pet.
