Family: Veteran’s missing service dog found with gunshot wound to head

A veteran's missing service dog was found dead with a gunshot wound to its head, according to family members.

Gunner, a 3-year-old husky, was trained to help his owner, Bryan Vallandingham.

He went missing on Jan. 12.

Gunner was found dead Monday on railroad tracks behind Stone Center of Kentucky in Walton, but he wasn't killed by a train, family members said.

Vallandingham's wife, Kimberley, told WLWT on Thursday that Gunner was shot in the back of the head, execution style.

No suspect has been identified, but Kimberley Vallandingham said his death may be connected to a mysterious phone call the family received the day before the dog was found.

She said in the call, someone tried to extort money or an iTunes gift card in exchange for Gunner. The caller demanded the family send a photo of the gift card and scratch off the back so that they would have all of the details and said to send the rest of the money after the dog was retrieved.

The investigation is ongoing and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of $2,500.

Kimberley Vallandingham said Faithful Friends is covering the cost of Gunner's cremation.

She also said they will be receiving a new service dog within the next eight weeks.

Vallandingham suffers from frequent seizures after a military accident, and Gunner would alert his owner before one would occur.