LEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – A man who has been in the hospital for three days after a bad crash on U.S. 19 in Lee County tells WALB that his spirits were lifted after his lost puppy was found.

WALB previously reported that a 6-month-old Chihuahua was found miles from the crash. The puppy, named Monkey, was one of five dogs that were in a car when it was involved in a crash that left their owner, Jack Pitts, severely injured. One of the dogs died in the crash, and three others survived.

Pitts remains in the hospital. He suffered bleeding on the brain, a broken arm, and multiple minor cuts and bruises. Pitts says that when he regained consciousness after the crash, his first concern wasn’t for himself — he just wanted to make sure his dogs were safe and unharmed.

Pitts refers to his dogs as his “babies” and says they are more than just pets — they are family.

“A fur baby is the best medicine you can get, no matter what is going on. They can take away any pain or sorrow you got, and they love you unconditionally,” Pitts said.

Jack and his fiancée Donna Griffin say they were overwhelmed with the support they received.

“Thank you very much for bringing our baby home. We never would’ve found them without y’all,” Griffin said.

The family created a GoFundMe to cover various medical expenses for Jack Pitts, and if you would like to donate, click here.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.