‘He’s the Love of My Life’

Chet Todd, an 86-year-old Army veteran from Los Angeles, lost a fierce battle to save his companion and support animal, an 8-year-old German shepherd named Trajan, who died last week just ahead of Veterans Day.

In an interview with Military.com, Todd shared the deep grief pet owners face when losing an animal so close to their hearts.

“You know you get attached,” Todd said. “Trajan was with me every day, every step of the way. When he got sick, I just did whatever I could to save him. We lost him just as we were trying to get him radiation and surgery. We tried so hard.”

Family friend Stephanie Meurer posted a message on the GoFundMe page originally set up to help cover Trajan’s veterinary expenses.

“Trajan was loved, but time was not on his side,” Meurer’s message reads. “Thank you to everyone who shared, cared and donated. Any remaining funds will go toward his final vet bills and cremation care.

“Hold your furry friends close. If you can, foster or adopt. Even a little time can change a dog’s whole life. Rest in peace, sweet Trajan.”

Love Story Began at Rescue Shelter

Todd and Trajan found each other when both were in need. Todd was still grieving the loss of his previous dog when he found Trajan at the North Central Animal Shelter in Los Angeles in February 2026. The two were happy together for months, until Trajan was diagnosed in September with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

That diagnosis led to an intense battle to save Trajan’s life with plans for expensive radiation treatments, multiple veterinary appointments, clinical trials and therapies. A GoFundMe page raised more than $5,300 to help pay for Trajan’s care.

About a week before Veterans Day, Trajan died before his cancer surgery could be scheduled. In an Instagram post, Todd, who served in the Army during the 1950s, shared how desperate he was to keep Trajan alive.

“He’s the love of my life, and dogs always have been,” Todd wrote. “I’ve always lived with one, and this is my favorite one.”

Service and Companion Animals Support Veterans

While Trajan was a household pet, broad data published by the organization K9’s For Warriors highlights how both trained service dogs and basic companion animals provide life-changing support for military veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma and other disabilities.

Citing a 2024 study led by the University of Arizona, the organization notes that veterans working with service dogs experience significantly lower trauma severity, reduced anxiety and depression, fewer feelings of isolation and an improved quality of life.

Service dogs are trained to perform specific physical and psychological tasks, such as opening doors, retrieving items, waking veterans from nightmares, recognizing anxiety and providing deep pressure therapy.

For Todd, it was the raw companionship that Trajan brought to his daily life. He hoped they would have more time together.

“I miss him every day,” Todd said. “We went through so much together. Trajan was my support system. I thought we could save him. He was an excellent watchdog.”

Vet Bills Mounted as Strangers Donated

Leading up to Trajan’s death, the veterinary bills were mounting. Todd and his son, Marion, spent about $14,000 of personal savings on Trajan’s care, with another $16,500 in radiation treatments planned that would have given Trajan more time to live. Donations to the GoFundMe account ranging from $20 to $500 poured in to help.

“I appreciate the donations,” Todd said. “It helped a lot. Even though we lost Trajan, it felt good knowing so many people cared. Strangers donated, friends donated. So many people wanted to help.”

Todd plans to use the remaining GoFundMe money to pay Trajan’s outstanding medical bills and cremation costs.

Meurer’s update included words of sorrow and gratitude for all who supported the family.

“Thank you so much for all of you who have donated and shared,” her message reads. “It is deeply appreciated. Once a shelter dog nobody wanted, [Trajan] became the whole world of Chet, an 86-year-old Army veteran.”