SOUTH BEND — The recent slaying of an Old English sheepdog in west South Bend has set off an outpouring of sympathy for the three-legged dog and the family he left behind.

Dozens have written letters to the dog’s owner, Dan Warner, offering prayers and condolences. Some have even offered him their own puppies.

The cards line Warner’s living room mantel.

Last week, two residents created reward funds for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Combined, the funds have collected more than $1,000.

Linus even has his own Facebook page.

The sympathy of strangers has been overwhelming, Warner said.

“I think the community has rallied behind the heinousness of these crimes, and it has been fantastic,” said Sandra Holderman, Warner’s ex-wife who also cared for Linus.

Linus was fatally shot by robbers Nov. 9 on Bonds Avenue. Warner found Linus dead in the kitchen when he returned from work. Linus had recently lost a front leg while fighting bone cancer.

Linus’ killing “just affected me so deeply,” said Gina Oliver, who created “The Justice for Linus” reward fund after reading about the crime.

“I can’t even imagine. The robbers crossed a line that no one should ever cross.”