Veterans Day
Every Veteran Deserves a “Buddy”
Recently I started a new job where I transport Disabled American Veterans to and from the VA hospital. I have met Veterans that served in wars from WWII to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. I didn’t realize how rewarding this job was going to be.
While transporting these Veterans I have heard many of their stories, both war related and life in general. Often our conversations are also about dogs. Not surprising since dogs are such an important part of my life and so many of the Vets also have stories of dogs in their lives.
Many of the Veterans I transport have injuries that have left them confined to wheel chairs. Obviously many of them suffer from depression and other problems related to their changed lives and PTSD. Many of them are struggling daily with their disabilities and working hard in physical therapy to regain as much mobility as possible. Until I started this job I must admit I seldom thought about these Veterans and the challenges they are now faced with after bravely serving our country and ensuring our freedom. I am so very thankful for the sacrifices they have made and am honored to be able to give a little back to them.
One of the young Vets I’ve met is Leo. Leo has an amazing story of recovery and has such a determination to overcome his ailments. His spinal cord injury left him in a coma for many months, the doctors did not expect him to live. Yet in the couple of years since, Leo’s determination has allowed him to accomplish a lot. He is able to walk a bit and to live independently. Leo does suffer with bouts depression and also terrifying nightmares, and most of the time gets around in a power chair.
While talking about dogs with him one day, he mentioned to me that he’d like to get a Personal Service Dog (PSD). He wanted a little lap dog that could ride around with him in his power chair, be sensitive to his feelings to help with his depression, and to be there with him when he had nightmares. I immediately thought how my Maddie would be the perfect little dog for him. But of course Maddie was my dog! So I contacted the local Russell Rescue representative, Amy and asked if she had any JRT that might fit the bill. Amy had a couple of dogs she thought might work out and invited me to come meet them.
In the stables at Amy’s farm there were lots of JRT’s looking for there forever homes. I was looking for a very special JRT to do a very special job. Most JRT’s are much too active and hyper to be PSD’s. It 
was going to take a very exceptional dog. Amy had suggested a couple of dogs and I met each one, and then sat down to observe them as they ran around interacting with people and the other animals – horses, donkeys, goats that shared the stable. Shortly after sitting down, Buddy came and jumped up on the bench and sat next to me. Then he sat in my lap and gave me some kisses. He was telling me HE was the ONE! Amy got some treats out and all the dogs ran to her. Buddy immediately sat down in front of her, waiting patiently for his treat, all the while wagging his tail. It was easy to see, Buddy might be the right dog! I sent Leo and email with pics and told him about Buddy. A week later Amy and I took Buddy to meet Leo, they hit it off right away! 
Now Buddy and Leo are nearly inseparable. Buddy became a certified PSD (Personal Service Dog). He has a little service dog vest and all. This certification allows Buddy to go every where with Leo! Leo is quite active and also loves fishing, so of course Buddy gets to go fishing too. And from the picture, it’s easy to see Buddy loves fishing too! 
Buddy is doing his new job wonderfully! He is Leo’s constant companion, lavishing him with the unconditional love like only a dog can. Within the first week together, Buddy proved his skill by waking Leo from one of his nightmares, Buddy was standing on Leo’s chest licking his face! Buddy has brought many more smiles to Leo, and Leo has given a forever home to a very deserving little Jack Russell! I am so happy I was able to bring these two together!
