A family in North Texas is reaching out to the public through social media in an effort to find answers after a service dog trained to assist daughter Hannah Westmoreland was shot in front of their home.

According to WTVD, the golden retriever named Journey was found with a gunshot wound outside their residence on Sunday.

The family transported him to an area veterinary clinic but the animal died a short time later.

Reports indicate Journey had been trained to detect when Hannah’s blood sugar dipped too low as a result of her Type I diabetes.

“He was breathing really hard and his gums were white, then he laid his head on my lap,” she said of her beloved pet and companion. “I just went over there and kissed him on the head and told him everything was going to be OK.”

The family has established a social media page dedicated to bringing attention to the situation.

“Not only was Journey Hannah’s life saver he was part of the family and all loved him dearly,” read one Facebook post of several to also include photos of Journey, Hannah, and others from the family and school.

The family is also accepting donations online via a GoFundMe account established after the shooting.

“We are raising money to help with a REWARD to help find the shooter, vet bills and possibly another service dog in the future,” the page states.

as reported by KTVT the Hunt County Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation into the apparent case of animal cruelty.

[Featured image: Justice 4 Journey, Facebook]