Woman's Service Dog Dies After Being Struck In Atlantic City
By Alexandria Hoff
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., (CBS) -- A woman walking with her service dog was struck in Atlantic City, and her four-legged companion died.
Now, she's mourning her loss and trying to raise money for a new service dog.
She didn't take up a lot of space but at just five pounds a little a dog named Willamina has left a vast empty space next to Holly Francisco.
Holly has epilepsy and gets violent seizures about twice a week.
(Reporter:) "Well you had one today before we got here right?"
"Yes that was a nightmare," said Holly.
But for six years Holly's miniature chihuahua had been there to give her at least some warning. As a service dog it's what she was trained to do.
"Get away from the top of the stairs, swallow your food, get out of the middle of the street," said Holly.
For the past month, Holly has been alone, too scared to leave her home or to eat solid food.
It was exactly one month ago when Holly and Willamina were crossing inside of the crosswalk at the intersection of Kentucky and Atlantic Avenue. That's when Atlantic City Police say that a large pickup truck passed through the intersection as well.
"It hit me, spun me around, and then I kind of got sucked under the vehicle. And it ran over my leg and my foot," said Holly.
Witnesses told Holly the truck first cleared the dog, but when Willamina turned to go and help Holly, she was hit by the back tire.
"As soon as she saw me, she just relaxed and died," said Holly.
Holly's leg and her heart were broken that day. But the other lasting issue is that in New Jersey auto insurance will only cover the loss of an animal up to $750.
Holly says a trained dog like Willamina costs upward of $25,000. For that she started a GoFundMe page.
"I promise I would try and love it just as much as I loved Wila," said Holly.
Another dog won't bring Willamina back, but it could give Holly her life back.
"She loved me and I know that and I hope that she knows that I loved her."
