I am sharing a note from a veteran who spearheaded fundraising to obtain and support Gracie's training in the Veterans & Service Dog pilot project directed by the Transitional Housing Program with the WA State Department of Veterans Affairs. Gracie spent time with Chris during her training as an important part of her socialization and to give Chris a greater understanding how a dog like Gracie benefits veteran mental health. His words capture how this work across the country is improving lives for our veterans.
I was at the VA yesterday for an appointment and while in
the waiting area I noted there were several assistance dogs in-training. As one
of them passed by me to leave, I noticed that the dog bent her neck several
times to look my way. I caught up with the veteran and asked him how long he
has had his dog; “Two months” he replied, and I said “Is this Gracie”? He
looked a bit confused and asked, “How do you know Gracie”?, and I explained my
connection with her dating back to when she was just a few weeks old. Don and I
talked for a few minutes and we exchanged phone numbers. I was really impressed
that Gracie stayed very calm and under Don’s control. In-fact, aside from her
initial looking back at me, I wasn’t sure she recognized me.
About a half hour later I was walking to my car and noted that Don and Gracie were standing outside the canteen building. I couldn’t resist any longer and as I approached them I called to her. Gracie went nuts, tail wagging and tugging on her leash. When I reached them, Gracie got both paws on my chest and proceeded to give me a good face-washing. I sat down beside her and gave her the sit/lay commands which she obliged with precision. I rolled her over and gave her a good tummy-rub, but afterward she went right back into her role as Don’s assistant. It was as though I didn’t exist, and that’s the way it should be. Her job is to have Don’s back (or six) and it was apparent she knows her role well. She is everything I could have hoped for and I was able to see and experience her placement with a veteran that could so benefit from her partnership.
Yesterday was a very good day. Thank you for allowing me the experience of knowing what the Gracie’s of this world can contribute to those in need.
Chris
About a half hour later I was walking to my car and noted that Don and Gracie were standing outside the canteen building. I couldn’t resist any longer and as I approached them I called to her. Gracie went nuts, tail wagging and tugging on her leash. When I reached them, Gracie got both paws on my chest and proceeded to give me a good face-washing. I sat down beside her and gave her the sit/lay commands which she obliged with precision. I rolled her over and gave her a good tummy-rub, but afterward she went right back into her role as Don’s assistant. It was as though I didn’t exist, and that’s the way it should be. Her job is to have Don’s back (or six) and it was apparent she knows her role well. She is everything I could have hoped for and I was able to see and experience her placement with a veteran that could so benefit from her partnership.
Yesterday was a very good day. Thank you for allowing me the experience of knowing what the Gracie’s of this world can contribute to those in need.
Chris
