Where did you serve and what did you do?

US Navy/US Naval Reserve for 23 years, served in Vietnam, Desert Shield/Desert Storm and elsewhere. “Compliments” of Uncle Sam, I’ve served all over the world, having been around it one and a half times doing amphibious operations, small boat operations, marine salvage and diving.

Tell us how your dog is helping you continue Still Serving in your community.

Anai is a rescue who rescued me. I’ve had Rottweilers around me for years but in the Navy and in law enforcement and decided I needed one of my own over thirty years ago. These dogs have great hearts and wonderful understanding of situations. They have been a source of mental stability for me. (I’ve worked law enforcement K-9’s with other officers but their dogs were not my partners, they just put up with me as part of the team.) My wife and I have rescued Rotties since back in the 80’s, they are our children and mental release. Losing them is always hard, as hard actually as losing a buddy in country. And each incoming pup seems to know and understand the roll they’re playing in my life. The last three especially, Rajah and Roxy both knew before I did when something was happening to me after I had a full whipple for pancreatic cancer. I’d find myself on the floor in extreme pain with them guarding and trying to comfort me. Anai has done the same thing though since the second surgery, there are fewer attacks, (but then there’s much less intestine to involve) GREAT PROTECTOR. There is an organization locally known as TANGO’s TROT that hosts a ‘dog walk’ to raise money to provide dogs to Veterans. Its run by the parents, family and friends of a Navy Corpsman Maxton Soviak who together with his team of Marines and a lone Soldier were killed during the ill planned and advised ‘Bug Out’ in Afghanistan. Anai and a US Naval Sea Cadet unit each year try to help where they can. The handle Colors and then the Cadets take Anai out on the walk besides as I cannot make the distance any longer.

Why do you do it?

to give back to the community and make this part of the world a bit better than it was.