05/22/2026
We werenât quite sure where the story of Jake the dog and Tom, his US Veteran owner experiencing homelessness, would lead when the story began at the beginning of the week. We knew the impact the letter had on the crews at Station 8 but we did not foresee the impact this story would have nationwide.
So many of you have commented, âWhat about his owner?â and we wanted to give you an update to spotlight the huge changes that have already been made in his quality of life. The Fort Worth Fire Departmentâs H.O.P.E. (Home Outreach Prevention Education) team has been working around the clock to ensure that we can help Tom meet the needs that forced him to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender his sweet baby, Jake. Tom was gifted an RV camper yesterday where he will be able to live. We want to give a HUGE thank you to Bennett's Camping Center for their generous donation of the home!
The HOPE team has also been getting Tom to medical appointments, meetings and getting the camper set up in a place that is safe and functioning. From doctorâs visits to purchasing the necessities Tom needs for not only himself but his new little home, there are not many iâs or tâs left to cross.
Although never once looking for the attention he has gotten, Tom wants to express his overwhelming gratitude for the love and support he has received from not only our community but across the country. He knows that surrendering Jake was the hardest choice he ever had to make but âit was the right choiceâ, he says. At this time, Tom is working on bettering himself and getting back on his feet.
As for Jake? Well, Jake has found the perfect recliner to nap in and once that gear is on, takes his job as a Fort Worth Fire Department rookie very seriously. He continues to bring smiles, laughter and companionship to the firefighters at Station 8 where he waits patiently for their return from every call.
We are not sure how or when this story ends, but as for now what we do know is that two lives have been forever changed and millions of hearts have been touched. None of this would be possible if not for the tough decision Tom made, the trust he placed in the Fort Worth Fire Department, the communityâs support, and in a dogâs smile that is too contagious to say ânoâ to.
And no matter how this story eventually ends though, we know that in helping someone when they needed it most impacted not only Tom but the entire Fire Station. Because, in this line of work, youâre not always able to save everyone no matter how hard you try. But as Jake snores soundly on the laps of his new FWFD family and Tom works to get his life in order, answering this call- although in the form of a 3-page letter and no lights or sirens- is a response that will stay with us for a very long time.
Stay safe, .
-Operation Texas Strong