Vietnam Vet Passes Away, His Mailman Rushes to Adopt His Dog

Nearly every day for one and a half years, Ian Burke delivered mail to a special Vietnam vet on his mail route. When Ian learned of his passing and that the owner’s beloved dog, Floyd, was sent to a local shelter, he raced there to adopt him. Now, he—and Floyd—couldn’t be happier.

Ian, a resident of Denton, Arkansas, had known the man and his dog for three years. The man was injured while serving in Vietnam and used a wheelchair as a result of his service.

The Mailman Adopts a Veteran’s Dog

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The man had spoiled Floyd and gave him his own room in his two-bedroom apartment. Ian wanted to honor the man and provide good care for the animal the man once loved.

"He's got a full name. His full name is Pretty Boy Floyd, after the 1930s bank robber," Burke said. "It's an interesting factoid."

A Rush to The Shelter

“I'm taking this guy home with me," Ian said. "I don’t take it lightly; [this isn't] some random dog I’m adopting. This is a dog that was loved and cherished by a former customer of mine.”

Ian says he looked forward to bringing mail to the veteran’s home and remembers the day he first met Floyd.

"He got out the door and he charged at me, right like a little puppy,” he recalled fondly.

Floyd Loves to Hug

He says Floyd loves to “hug” and is very friendly.

Ian almost didn’t find out about Floyd’s owner’s death. He switched to another route over a year ago, and another mail carrier who took over the route alerted him of the man’s passing and that Floyd was sent to the shelter.

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A Responsibility That No One Assigned Him

Ian got to the shelter as soon as he could, ten minutes before it opened. He wanted to be first in line, and he got what he came for.

Animal Shelter volunteer coordinator Jenny McGee said Floyd’s “hold was up on a Monday morning, and that particular person named Ian was here at the front door on that Monday morning.”

"I kind of feel responsible to take care of him,” Ian said. “I think [his former owner] would be pleased to know his former mailman is taking good care of his dog."

Ian Gained a New Best Friend

Ian says Floyd is the best thing that the postal service has ever brought his way.

This story is so bittersweet. The community lost a member, but Ian gained a new best friend. Ian found out too late about the veteran’s passing, but he did what he could to at least help the man’s dog after death. What a kind gesture!

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h/t: THV11

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.