Posted on 11/11/2008 6:11:16 AM PST by DemonDeac
"Many veterans, after suffering traumatic injuries, are “fighting to get their independence back, and dogs give them a sense of independence,” he added.
Service dogs are 24/7 companions that can retrieve and carry objects, open doors, call attention to safety hazards, help with stress and balance difficulties, and provide a bridge back to society. "
" “You get military people that think, ‘I’m an alpha male, alpha female, and I don’t need a dog,’ ” he said. He eventually overcame his reluctance, and in February 2008 was teamed with Sharif, a yellow Labrador and golden retriever mix from Canine Companions for Independence Veterans Program. The two have been inseparable since.
Sharif is trained to respond to 40 commands, a skill that becomes crucial when Mr. Adams removes his prosthetic leg. In addition to retrieving dropped objects and helping with balance, the dog barks only in an emergency, and the neighbors know that. Mr. Adams said that his wife, Katie, “jokes that Sharif has made me lazier, but that’s not it. He makes me safer.”"
"Though unsure his injuries merited a dog, he said he “finally took that big ball of pride and swallowed it,” and contacted the organization. In November 2007, he was teamed with Larry, an English Labrador and golden retriever mix. The bond between them was instant."
"Larry helps with walking stability and P.T.S.D., and has also demonstrated the potentially life-saving ability to alert Sergeant Gwathmey to a seizure before it happens. Larry has changed his life, he said, and has given him back a large degree of independence."
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
No. I have two loving ones of my own. Ironically, I watched an older gentleman and his dog in a grocery store last week and my friend and I were really touched by the training, love and devotion of his animal. Great for the dog too, it gets its owners companionship 24/7.
I don’t care how ALPHA you are. Who does not need unconditional love? You get that with a dog. A dog will never tell that you have been crying.
A heart-warming story. Canine Companions for Independence is an excellent organization. Unlike some service dog organizations, it does not charge the graduate for the dog. And a service dog can make a significant difference in its person’s life.
—tkoed
Great story amongst all this depressing news!
These dogs will be wonderful companions. Everyone needs unconditional love and dogs are the only creatures that provide that (other than Moms). :)
Absolutely a great story. Dogs are the best!
I used to have an English Setter that whenever she would see me cry would put both of her paws on my shoulders and and nuzzle and lick my face until I stopped.
Unfortunately when I got divorced and moved into a condo in the city I knew that she was a country dog and better off there so I gave her to an ex boyfriend who still lived in the country. We've lost touch and I don't know what became of her.
One of the regrets of my life was not keeping her.
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It is a good article. Dogs really are man’s best friend.
Thanks for the ping!
Well you have those memories and maybe someday another dog. They make pocket size for condo’s you know. Lovely story
I seem to remember a story about God creating dog in his reverse image - unconditionally devoted to his master, thus that is why he was called a dog (God backwards)
Both animals were abandoned.
Under the Marxist's health care plan I hope to be able to claim both of them as my children and get free health care for them. ;^)
I love that photo.
It speaks volumes.
For whatever reason God created dogs, I thank Him. :)
Lovely story. Thanks for posting.
I can’t fully express what that photo means to me. Thanks with all my heart.
I agree that it’s a great photo. These are special dogs, these service animals.
Thank you for the ping to a great story. I also love the pictures!
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