Brunson’s Story
On December 12, 2023, a broken, emaciated pit bull was found on the streets of Trotwood suffering from horrific physical injuries. A Good Samaritan found him seeking refuge in her garage and posted a public plea for help. A volunteer for a local rescue answered the call and rushed him to there to be evaluated. It was determined that Brunson’s injuries were so horrific he needed emergency medical care, so he was rushed to MedVet Dayton with Kristen as his caregiver.
Dr. Ken Brunson and staff evaluated Brunson’s injuries, and confirmed Our Farm’s suspicions that Brunson was the victim of the barbaric “sport” of dog fighting. After charming the staff at MedVet and inspiring them with his determination to live, Brunson was released to go home with Kristen. He settled in for the night with beds, blankets, and a full belly for likely the first time in his life.
Over the next 4 days Brunson knew he was safe, loved, and warm. He had a full belly every single day, had fresh water, and was given more kisses than he knew what to do with. On December 16, 2023, at 9:45 pm Brunson took his last breath in this world and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The last words he heard from his mommy, Kristen, were “you are safe, you are so wanted and so, so loved Brunny. Mommy loves you”, and she kissed his head. Within 15 minutes Brunson’s heart stopped and he was gone. His time on earth may have ended, but his legacy continues.
Brunson Anthony Tilton
Brunson Anthony Tilton, age 9 crossed the Rainbow Bridge last night, December 16, 2023, peacefully looking at his mommy wearing his new Christmas jammies. His heart and body just couldn’t take it according to the emergency vet, but he was surrounded by so much love when he passed.
Brunson is survived by his mommy Kristen Tilton, who had gotten official approval earlier in the week to adopt him, siblings Enzo Marley & Royal Roo, bonus dad Dean Levstek & bonus sisters Lucy and Stella. He was looking forward to experiencing all of the “firsts” that he could.
During my 5 amazing days with Brunson, I learned so much about him. Despite his horrible previous 9 years of life, all Brunson wanted to do was love and be loved. The day we met I wasn’t even supposed to be at the sanctuary, but by chance I was there when he came in. By some small miracle he decided I was okay to trust, and he dragged himself into my lap to collapse, and from then on, we were an instant family. He overcame the odds that day at MedVet Dayton to come home with me, where he learned what regular mealtimes were. Brunson loved having fresh water right beside him, sleeping on beds tucked in at night with a blanket, and all of the softness the world showed him the last 5 days.
Brunson experienced a bed snuggle session, sleeping in a safe warm home, the magic of a Christmas tree light snuggles with his mommy for several hours, having his very own things, and being loved during our time together.
It may seem strange to some of you how devastated Dean and I are after only having him in our little family for such a short period of time, and to that I say time doesn’t matter when your soul recognizes love. Brunson •knew• he was safe, wanted and loved with me and by me.
I gave him everything I had, and it just wasn’t enough to overcome the absolute torture his body endured before he found me. If love could have saved him, I wouldn’t have lost him.
While this is the end of his time here on earth this is not the end of his story. We •must• hold the man who did this to my sweet boy accountable, and to do that we will need the community’s help. Laws have to change, ARC has to investigate animal abuse, and I will use every platform I can to make sure Brunson’s former owner, right here in Dayton knows exactly how much Brunson mattered.
You were safe. You were wanted. You were so loved. You were my boy.
-Kristen Tilton
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Sign the petition! The petition can be found at Change.org by signing it you are lending your voice to tell our lawmakers that animal cruelty must end.
If you suspect animal cruelty is occurring in your neighborhood, please reach out to your local humane society or animal shelter to file a report. Most shelters will allow you to file an anonymous complaint if you don’t feel safe leaving your information.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAVE SOMEONE. -
Physical signs may include wounds that are open or in various stages of healing, an underweight bodily condition with bones clearly visible, severe matting or missing fur, damaged or missing teeth, or if the animal appears to be limping or injured.
Behavorial signs may include fear aggression (biting, high pitched whining, lunging), cowering, incontinence, or they are excessively barking/meowing/drooling/panting. It is important to know that not all animals will exhibit these symptoms, but these are among the most common seen in the rescue world.Living conditions that are dirty, with no visible food or water bowls, a large number of animals on the property may indicate neglect.
Signs that dog fighting may be occurring on a property can include the following: a large number of bully breed dogs that are unregistered, minimal owner interaction particularly if that only occurs at odd hours of the night, spring poles, or makeshift treadmills being on the property. Physical injuries and trauma to dogs, including scars, infections and open wounds can also be indicators of dog fighting.
***If you suspect a dog is the victim of dog fighting, please contact your local authorities immediately.*** -
Auglaize County:
Auglaize County Humane Society 419.738.7808
Auglaize County Dog Warden 419.302.8303Butler County:
Butler County Dog Warden 513.887.7297
Champaign County:
Champaign County Dog Warden 937.484.1613
Clark County:
Clark County SPCA 937.925.6602
Clark County Animal Control 937.521.2140
Clinton County:
Clinton County Humane Society 937.383.0703
Clinton County Dog Warden 937.382.8388
Darke County:
Darke County Animal Control 937.547.1645
Greene County:
Greene County Animal Control 937.562.7400
Greene County Humane Society 937.376.3001Hamilton County:
Cincinnati Animal CARE/Hamilton County Animal Shelter 513.541.7387Logan County:
Logan County Dog Warden 937.599.7231
Mercer County:
Mercer County Dog Warden 419.942.1550
Miami County:
Miami County Animal Control 937.332.6919
Miami County Humane Society 937.335.9955
Montgomery County:
Montgomery County Animal Resource Center 937.898.4457
Humane Society of Greater Dayton 937.268.7387
SICSA 937.294.6505
Shelby County:
Shelby County Animal Shelter 937.498.7201