Where did you serve and what did you do?
1969 USMC, Vietnam
3rd Recon.
Tell us how your dog is helping you continue #StillServing in your community.
Pyro, my service dog ( certified), goes everywhere with me. I have problems with crowds and people who approach me too rapidly. She senses my discomfort and puts herself between me and these people. At night, she senses when I’m having a bad sleep, and paws and nuzzles me to wake me up. People ask to pet her and I tell them “if she will allow you to.” She is not aggressive, but will place herself between me and the other person. I’ve been asked what she does for me, and I tell them that Pyro keeps me balanced, and calms me in crowded situations. I can’t imagine not having her with me.
Why do you do it?
Why? It shows people the value of a good dog. They, for the most part, have no clue as to what a dog is capable of. To me, they’re smarter than most humans I meet. I take her with me to the Post and everyone adores her. She has no “dog aggression ” and is tolerant of other dogs. One of my “pups” is now serving another veteran and learning how to be a service dog , herself. Veterans know the value of a good dog, and I take time to educate the public of their value.