A local hero, who saved people from a burning home two years ago and then turned his own life around after facing addiction only to give back to those still suffering, has gone through it all with his best friend and dog Zippy by his side.
Wherever Gord Portman goes, Zippy does too.
But now another tragedy has struck. While Portman was doing outreach work on the outreach bus in Penticton nearly two weeks ago, he took Zippy, a six-pound Fox Terrier, out of his jacket so he could drive the bus.
It was in that quick moment that Zippy licked up some cocaine that had methamphetamine in it, said Portman.
B次元官网网址淚 am over two and a half years clean. He is always in my jacket, heB次元官网网址檚 so small. IB次元官网网址檓 just devastated. Right away Zippy started acting crazy and we knew something was really wrong,B次元官网网址� said Portman.
He had to rush Zippy to Fairfield Animal Hospital in Kelowna. The dogB次元官网网址檚 blood test revealed that Zippy had ingested cocaine that had meth in it.
The vet bill to save Zippy was expensive and they needed him to pay upfront. Luckily a friend came through and heB次元官网网址檚 since paid that person back. But that leaves an empty bank account.
Zippy is now at home resting but heB次元官网网址檚 lost over two pounds in five days.
B次元官网网址淗e isnB次元官网网址檛 eating or drinking today,B次元官网网址� said Portman through tears. B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 so lethargic, he canB次元官网网址檛 even jump onto the couch. He needs medication.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 my recovery dog, heB次元官网网址檚 my best friend. He has helped hundreds of recovering addicts and goes with me everywhere I go. HeB次元官网网址檚 still in critical condition. He will never do outreach again.B次元官网网址�
Zippy has another vet appointment at Dr. Anderson Veterinary Clinic on Monday but Portman doesnB次元官网网址檛 have the funds to pay.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 just starting to live again,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 have nothing left in my bank account.B次元官网网址�
READ MORE: Local hero hopes for Penticton waterfront memorial bench for overdose victims
Portman said he hates to ask for help but would do anything for Zippy.
If you have any money to give, here is how you can donate.
Anderson Veterinary Clinic at 402 Industrial Ave. E is taking care of Zippy and can accept cash donations at the clinic B次元官网网址� just mention Portman and Zippy by name. Even $5 or $10 can help, said Portman.
Portman can also accept e-transfers via gordportman2014@gmail.com. Just use Zippy as the answer.
