Robert Howard Jr. was a graduate of VALOR (Veterans Advancing Lives of Rescues). He was killed on Jan. 26 and is missed by loved ones, Safe Humane Chicago members, and his emotional support dog, Apollo.
By BRITTANY REYES
Homicide Watch Chicago
The death of Robert Howard Jr. left the dog he'd once rescued without a home and his best friend.
Howard, a 62-year-old Vietnam War veteran killed in a shooting in University Village on Jan. 26, was the proud owner of Apollo, a big, joyful puppy who was matched with Howard through Veterans Advancing the Lives of Rescues (VALOR).
VALOR is an 8-week Safe Humane Chicago program that pairs military veterans struggling with post traumatic stress disorder with animals that had been abused, neglected or used for fighting.
After struggling with PTSD since his three-year tour in Vietnam from 1970-73, Howard began participating in VALOR in early 2015. His experience with the program was so positive that he decided to adopt a dog for himself, according to Cynthia Bathurst, the organization's executive director.
In April 2015, Howard acquired Rugby, an 8-month old puppy who'd been rescued through Chicago Animal Care and Control. Howard renamed his new companion Apollo, and documented their experience together in a feature for The Unexpected Pit Bull's 2016 annual calendar.
By completing the VALOR program, Howard explained how he was able to supplant his "anger, isolation, and depression" with "comfort, joy, and peace" through working with animals.
"I am a veteran that suffers from PTSD and I am a disabled Vietnam combat veteran," Howard wrote. "By heaven's grace, I have found Apollo."
But the dog was left homeless after Howard was found with a multiple gunshot wounds to the head about 6:40 p.m. Jan. 26 in the 1000 block of West Maxwell, the block where he lived, according to Chicago Police and the Cook County medical examiner's office.
Police said the shooting might have been related to an earlier dispute he had with a neighbor.
After the murder, police notified the Safe Humane Chicago, and Apollo was immediately taken in and cared for by the rescue staff.
While the organization works to find a new home for the dog, Bathurst said the 17-month old puppy is still waiting for Howard to return.
"Whenever he sees anyone with Robert's build, he is eager to meet with them, but then just keeps looking," Bathurst said.
"I wish this kind of senseless tragedy did not exist. I am so sorry, Robert, that this happened to you, your family, your friends. I am so sorry that Apollo no longer has his beloved companion."
One person, 45-year-old Charneise Silas, has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of her neighbor, and police say more arrests may follow,
Silas is aggravated battery and is being held on a $250,000 bond at the Cook County Jail. She is due back in court Thursday.
Police said she is among an unspecified number of people who carried out the fatal shooting, and multiple persons of interest were being questioned.