CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – What some thought may be the end of one dog’s life, turned into a beautiful new beginning. Courage, tenacity, and the strength to overcome brought one Fort Campbell solider and man’s best friend together. Franky, the pit bull discovered earlier this year suspected of being used as a bait dog, has finally found a forever home.

On Friday, Retired Army Sergeant Major, Chris Self, was surprised at Nashville International Airport with 18-month-old Franky. “It’s a boy,” shouted Dana Self, Chris Self’s wife. Chris Self bent down to meet his new companion.

How it Began

Montgomery County Animal Control received a call April 14 to pick up a dog. What they saw shocked everyone. A pit bull with gruesome head injuries, including half his scalp missing and ear flaps ripped off. Maggots infested the open wounds. Bite marks surrounding his head, neck, and legs, coupled with the other injuries led authorities to believe this poor creature had been used as a bait dog in dog fighting. (See that story here)

Through the work of Animal Control and rescue groups, such as the Montgomery County Angel Fund, Franky was brought to Sango Veterinary Hospital for care.

His journey to health was documented on social media by Dr. Jennifer Whitbeck and her husband, Chuck, from Sango Veterinary Hospital.

See the entire transformation here, in a video from Sango Veterinary Hospital. (Warning: some content may be graphic)

As word spread, support for Franky overwhelmed the community. The videos went viral, thousands looking to support and inquire about Franky’s recovery.

Finding His Home

Chris Self had been watching the videos from overseas while at his contracting job in Afghanistan.

“He was just heartbroken that someone could do that to a dog.” said Dana, “He wanted to know the details everyday, ‘How’s he doing? How’s he doing?'”

Retired Sergeant Major Chris Self, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. An Army Special Forces veteran, Self has also served as a military police K-9 officer. In 2005, Self sustained gunshot wounds to both his legs. In 2006, he had to have his right leg amputated to return to active duty.

“Everyday Chris wakes up and puts one foot and a prosthetic down on the floor and knows that he’s going to fight for this country. No matter what it took. Even retired, he still works in Afghanistan,” Dana told News Channel 2.

Dana and her daughter attended a “Meet Franky” day at Sango Veterinary Hospital. (See all photos from that event)

When it was announced that Franky would be up for adoption, Montgomery County Animal Care and Control were flooded with inquiries. Out of the 50 requests they received, the letter from Haley Jones, the Self’s daughter stood out. Jones also contacted Pets for Patriots, a national non-profit organization. They also agreed to support the adoption process, as well as any medical needs he may have in the future.

After several meetings, Animal Control Director Dave Kaske, knew the Self’s were the perfect fit.

Dana continued to keep it a surprise for her husband. Even after he expressed interest in wanting to adopt the dog, she told him, the dog had already been placed with another family.

“We wanted to surprise him with this.” said Dana.

Surprise Meeting

The adoption process was finalized and the surprise adoption was planned for June 14, when Chris Self returned from Afghanistan. The entire family, which now includes Franky, met him at the airport.

During Franky and Self’s first meeting, they playfully interacted and Self said he was proud to call the dog his own.

“He’s seems like a pretty tough dog. He needs a good home, and I knew if he came to our house it’d be a good home.” said Self
Watch Franky and Self meet for the first time here