Homeless man, dog reunite thanks to help from strangers

WILMINGTON, De. - Pete Buchmann is counting the days until Monday. That's the day that he leaves the homeless life behind and reunites under his own roof with his best friend, Buster.

Every day, rain or shine since July, Buchmann has walked five miles in Wilmington, Del., to visit Buster, his 9-year-old Rottweiler-boxer mix. Buchmann and Buster were inseparable until Buchmann's financial resources were depleted and he found himself homeless, with no way to care for his 9-year-old pet.

"When I couldn't pay my rent any more, I moved across the street into the backyard of an empty house," Buchmann said. "I pitched a two-man tent, and it was kind of fun for about a week, but it wasn't good for Buster."

He asked police where he could take Buster, so he would be cared for until Buchman could get on his feet again. He was given contact information for Faithful Friends Animal Society.

Faithful Friends Executive Director Jane Pierantozzi was surprised, but not unhappy, to come into work and find the Rottweiler-boxer mix ensconced in one of the shelter's meet-and-greet rooms, which had been turned into an "apartment" for Buster. "Since the financial crisis, so many people have had to give up their pets, and we have been able to place them, but Buster isn't adoptable," Pierantozzi said. "He's old, he has arthritis, and he's protective of and attached to Pete. Dogs like that can go down fast in a shelter. We knew if he went to a kill shelter he wouldn't survive."

Buchmann never dreamed he would find himself living in the Sunday Breakfast Mission and unable to find a job at the age of 54. He'd been working since he graduated from high school, installing fiber optics, construction and several other jobs. But when the economy took a downturn, so did his life.

Last month when the News Journal first told Buchmann's story, Pierantozzi said: "I am just amazed at his attitude. He walks two-and-a-half miles each way every day to see Buster, and then he spends two or three hours helping us walk the dogs. Most people in his situation would be depressed and angry, but he isn't."

Pierantozzi was so impressed with his devotion to Buster and his willingness to work that Faithful Friends agreed to take Buster until Pete could get back on his feet. She also reached out to her contacts in hopes of finding him a full-time job. Pierantozzi's help and media coverage led to offers of jobs, clothing, bus passes and other gifts for Buchmann and Buster from around the world.

Pierantozzi said "This is really a love story that has evoked a tremendous response around the world. It has inspired people. It has given them a feeling of hope and a belief that there are good people who will go the extra mile for their pets, and that there are good people out there willing to help."

At a special ceremony this week, Buchmann received a check for more than $35,000 raised by an online fund, a nest egg he says is going straight into the bank. He also accepted the keys to a donated used truck and keys to his new apartment.

Watch the video above to see Buster and Pete together and hear Buchmann express his gratitude.

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