A military veteran from Iowa has been reunited with his service dog, Mal’i, after a five-day search that captured the attention of the Jacksonville community in Florida.

Mal’i, a brown-and-tan American Staffordshire Terrier, went missing after being struck by a truck and running away in East Arlington on May 23. Volunteers, neighbors, and local residents helped search for the dog by sharing flyers, reviewing security footage, and reporting sightings.

The breakthrough came after a tip led veteran Scott Baker to a wooded area, where he found Mal’i using a beeping signal from her collar.

Despite the ordeal, Mal’i suffered only minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. Baker thanked the community for its support, calling the successful reunion a team effort.

firstcoastnews.com