Austin dog remembered online

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Joey Grassia will likely never forget Chloe, a 1-year-old pit bull that came into his life for a couple months in the fall of 2012.

“She's just the sweetest dog," said Grassia. “I fell in love with her right off the bat."

Grassia adopted Chloe while on a business trip to California. In October, Grassia brought Chloe home to Austin. He wasted no time showing her off.

He made a Facebook page for her complete with photos. In the weeks that followed, several hundred people “liked” Chloe.

Grassia said, "She's a really cute dog. Everyone took to her like I did. She got quite a few followers online because of Facebook."

Despite her loving home, Chloe was still a bit skittish. While on a walk the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Chloe became frightened by another person walking a dog. She got out of her leash and ran.

“We looked all night,” said Grassia. “Took work off the next day. We looked all day. We put up posters. We put it on Craigslist."

After getting almost no response, Grassia turned to the Facebook page he made for Chloe.

One post read as if Chloe wrote it herself: “Hi all, I am lost. I was last seen by my dad at 11th and Trinity, heading North."

The post on Facebook spread. Grassia said people sent him tips and leads. Some strangers even went out looking for her.

Unfortunately, Grassia said Chloe was likely hit by a car. By the time animal control officers found her, she was paralyzed and in a lot of pain.

Grassia said the veterinarian heard about Chloe before she was brought in and did everything possible to save her. Eventually early Tuesday, the decision came to put her down.

On her Facebook page, fans send their condolences.

"I'm so so sorry. I can't imagine how it would feel if this happened to my dogs,” wrote Emily Arnold. “I was really rooting for her."

Ashley Rion Valdez wrote on the page, "I can't even imagine the pain of your loss. I'm so so sorry, I truly thought she would be found and returned safely."

Saddened but determined, Grassia returned to Chloe's Facebook page. He set up memorial fund in Chloe’s honor.

The money raised will go toward Austin based Love-A-Bull . The group advocates for pit bulls by educating owners about being responsible. They are also dedicated to changing people’s minds about the breed.

"They're an extremely loving and loyal breed,” said Grassia.

Grassia had a goal to raise $400 for the organization. By Sunday afternoon, Chloe’s memorial fund raised more than $2,254.

You can still donate to Chloe’s Memorial fund until December 5 ^th by clicking here .

Grassia said Chloe made a big impact on him. He's not ready to get another dog quite yet, but when he is ready, he wants to get another pit bull.