Beloved Veteran and Service Dog Remembered After Tragic Crash

PORTLAND, Maine — George Vandenburgh, an 86-year-old Navy veteran, tragically lost his life in a car accident while driving with his beloved service dog, Gracie. This incident occurred last week as Vandenburgh was en route to a routine blood appointment, needing extra care due to his reliance on blood thinners.

Vandenburgh, a resident of Portland, had been a participant in a local nonprofit that pairs veterans with shelter dogs. He adopted Gracie, an 8-year-old Pomeranian, through this program, which also provided training for her role as a service animal to help him manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to his friend Patty Annand, Vandenburgh mistakenly turned onto the Maine Turnpike during his drive and collided head-on with a tractor-trailer near Exit 4. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Gracie, who was with him in the vehicle, sustained injuries but survived.

Now, Annand has taken on the care of Gracie, viewing the dog as a living memory of Vandenburgh’s “wonderful soul.” Despite the anticipated high veterinary bills for Gracie’s treatment, the Maine Veterinary Medical Center graciously waived the fees, which Annand described as a “gift from George.”

Annand fondly reminisced about her friendship with Vandenburgh, saying he reminded her of her late father, who was also a veteran. She would often accompany him to medical appointments and cooked for him regularly. Vandenburgh, proud yet humble, expressed gratitude for her companionship, often claiming, “I’m a seagull; I’ll eat anything.”

Jill Juris, a fellow member of a 12-step program alongside Vandenburgh, emphasized his lively spirit and humor. Known and loved in Portland’s recovery community, he consistently made others feel valued, greeting them “with so much love” and sharing lighthearted moments even when discussing serious topics.

“George always checked in on people,” recalled Juris. “It’s during times like these that we realize the importance of cherishing moments with our loved ones.”

Gracie’s presence continues to echo Vandenburgh’s legacy in the community. Juris mentioned that bringing Gracie to meetings served as a reminder that they still had a “piece of George” with them.

The outpouring of love and memories shared by Vandenburgh’s friends illustrate the significant void left by his passing. As they reflect on their cherished moments with him, many are committed to keeping his spirit alive through acts of kindness, as he demonstrated throughout his life.

Vandenburgh’s story highlights the critical role service dogs play in the lives of veterans and the unbreakable bonds formed between them. As friends and community members remember him, they also focus on the resilience Gracie embodies in her recovery.