ESTILL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– Father Jim Sichko is helping the people of Estill County by donating the remaining amount needed to purchase and train a new service dog.
Hunter the dog assisted in tracking and cadaver searches for the Estill County Search and Rescue team, but that came to an end when he was shot and killed this month.
The toll of Hunter’s death was felt throughout the community, so a GoFundMe was set up. A local radio station, 100.7 The Coyote, spearheaded the push for money. The account has now reached almost $3,000.
“I felt it necessary to reach out to that community and to share with them that I would assist them in any way possible,” said Sichko.
Sichko will be contributing the remaining money to reach the $5,000 goal, and he’s throwing in a year of vet visits. Sichko owns a bloodhound himself, named Gracie Marie.
“They are brilliantly made animals truly God’s creatures, plus on top of that, she’s a good friend a loyal companion and she’s very very friendly,” said Sichko.
Estill County Search and Rescue will be picking out their new member next month.
