When Kevin Baumgartner gave booties to a cold dog named Onyx, it was the start of his relationship with both the dog and his struggling owner.

Baumgartner, who lives in Saskatoon, passed the man and his dog on the street while he was on his lunch break. He said the dog was lifting his paws off the ground because he was so cold. He decided to stop, and asked the owner why the dog didn't have any booties. When the owner said the old ones ripped and he couldn't afford new ones, Baumgartner decided to buy them.

He also gave the owner a Starbucks gift card and then went on his way. But over the next few days, Baumgartner kept wondering about the man.

He just was so appreciative of the boots, and he gave me a hug, and he was just such a kind and gentle-hearted man. - Kevin Baumgartner

He decided to look for him, and through a post on social media, he was contacted about where the man was. Baumgartner met up with them and they started chatting.

"That's when I found out he lived in a camper, and has pretty much been down on his luck," he said.

Baumgartner decided to help out more. He helped repair his camper and bought him more food and clothes.

"He's very genuine," Baumgartner said of the man. "He just was so appreciative of the boots, and he gave me a hug, and he was just such a kind and gentle-hearted man."

Kevin Baumgartner and his dog join Onyx and his owner outside the trailer Baumgartner is working to fix. (Submitted by Kevin Baumgartner)

People from across Canada and the world have been contacting Baumgartner asking how they can help, as well as sending in their donations. He thinks people are so drawn to the story because of Onyx the dog.

"I think involving a furry friend makes a huge difference. It touched a lot of people's hearts."

Baumgartner will be taking Onyx to his first visit to the vet. In response to all the people wanting to help, he decided to set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the visit.

Baumgartner says he plans to continue his relationship of helping the Saskatoon man during 2016, and after that.