Where did you serve and what did you do?

Pleasant Valley Church Winona: Camp Awesome, my service Dog Zira and I participated in a program called Buddy Base. It was for children that needed a little more guidance or were a little un sure of themselves being in a new environment away from the parents or sitters for the 1st time. Zira and I went from class to class checking on the students that we were given to us by the staff that set up camp that had spoke to their parents and they had asked for extra help. We also visited the Medical Table when called that there was a child crying with a scraped knee or an injury. Most kids stopped crying as soon as they started petting Zira and totally forget about their injury. By the end of the week everyone knew to look for Zira and knew her name and would run over just to pet her. They were so excited that she was there to help with Camp. I also used this time to answer any of their questions as to why I had a service dog and what type of services do they preform for others.

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

I attend PVC every Sunday and Zira and I are door greeters to say hello to all the folks coming in, they love seeing Zira with her door greeter badge attached to her vest. We also volunteer during the week to set up the classes for Sunday school and when Zira and I walk in she goes to the office to greet the staff, their faces are full of smiles when she does this. They say they get to pet her and it makes their day.

Why do you do it?

I want people to know what a great service Zira provides for me and because of her I have got my life back. Also to pay it forward to all who have helped me get my dog and have made a big impact in my life. From surgeons at the VA who repaired my legs and physical therapy and family who helped to get me out of my wheel chair and finally walk again assisted by my service dog.