Challenged Athlete Reunited with Dog

Athlete Rudy Garcia-Tolson was reunited with his black lab, Bud, yesterday after nearly two weeks apart. Garcia-Tolson competed in the 17th annual Tour de Cove triathlon for challenged athletes on Oct. 24 but had stayed behind in La Jolla after he and his dog were separated on Oct. 21. Bud reportedly escaped from the , where they were staying.

Garcia-Tolson, a double amputee who won gold in the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic games, said his dog was picked up by County Animal Services last night and taken to the Central Shelter near the University of San Diego.

"He lost a lot of weight but is doing good," said Garcia-Tolson.

Garcia-Tolson mentors other amputees and assists the Challenged Athletes Foundation, host of the Tour de Cove, in fundraising. The Challenged Athletes Foundation raises money to help defray the cost of the equipment and training that disabled athletes need to participate in sports events.