Isaac Pendergrass is an Army veteran facing various health challenges that include severe depression.
Making his life more bearable is Grayson, an Australian shepherd and lone companion who has formed a special bond with the Crossville man.
For over a week, since he escaped from his leash in the backyard, Grayson has been missing, leaving Pendergrass to go on an extensive search in person and through social media in hopes of reuniting with his best friend and loyal companion.
Pendergrass, 59, served as a MP (military policeman) in Germany and Fort Bragg, NC, for a little over two years. He drove a logging truck for 23 years.
Battling Graves’ disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, he qualified for 100% disability through the Veterans Administration due to exposure to toxic substances while in the Army.
A little over two years ago, Grayson unexpectedly came into Pendergrass’s life, courtesy of longtime friend Sunny Redhorse, who arranged for the union after a neighbor was unable to care for the dog due to frequent traveling.
“It was an instant bond,” Redhorse said. “He was a very negative person, quick to temper. Grayson changed his life. He became more sociable. There was a light in his eye. He had something to live for.”
When he first saw Grayson, Pendergrass said he seemed like a nice, friendly dog. They quickly became best friends, with Grayson following him around the house and sleeping every night at the foot of the bed.
As a “furry alarm clock,” he woke Pendergrass every morning by first stomping on the bed and if that didn’t work getting within inches of his owner’s face, his hot breath doing what the stomping failed to accomplish.
Although not a certified service dog, Grayson filled the role.
“I suffered from major depression and anxiety,” Pendergrass said. “I wouldn’t get as depressed with Grayson around. We were around each other all the time. The VA has me on medication. He could do more for me, make me feel better than anything else.”
Grayson enjoyed running around, frequently with a neighbor’s dog, and would be gone for hours and sometimes days at a time.
“He was a hunting fool,” said Pendergrass, noting Grayson once was missing for three days before he was found by a neighbor.
Given Grayson’s propensity for running off, Pendergrass put him on a leash in his backyard about a year ago. That’s where he was on March 23 while Pendergrass was in his nearby shop.
The Crossville man said he had been in the shop for an hour or two when he came out and noticed Grayson missing; the leash had become unhooked from the blue collar around Grayson’s neck. Given some issues he has with his memory, Pendergrass went inside to see if had taken him there. No Grayson.
A anxious Pendergrass called for his dog and, getting no response, drove around his neighborhood, where he said everyone knows one another, and asking people if they had seen him. The responses were all negative.
He subsequently posted a notice on the Missing Pet Network of Cumberland County and on the Facebook page for the Vandever community in which he lives. He also contacted local veterinarians and animal shelters.
Pendergrass said he’s trying to remain positive but he has a nagging feeling he’ll never see Grayson again.
“Something’s happened or someone kept him,” he said. “It’s very lonely. I’m so used to a routine with him. It just feels like a large part of me is missing. I’d be happy to have him back.”
Redhorse has noticed a change in her friend since Grayson went missing.
“He has no motivation,” she said. “I can see him sinking again. Isaac had some weight to him. Grayson made him walk. That’s like his kid, his baby. He’s the light of his life.”
The shorthaired Grayson is gray, black and white on his underside and muzzle. His right eye is blue and brown and the left one is blue.
Pendergrass said a name tag on Grayson’s collar came off during a run in the woods. He noted Grayson weighs around 54 pounds and has a very expressive face.
Pendergrass and Redhorse are offering a $500 reward for the safe return of Grayson.
Anyone with any information can call Pendergrass at 931-337-4946 or Redhorse at 423-687-5306.