Service dogs have done a lot of remarkable things that can change people’s lives. It’s no wonder they’re called heroes. They’re not only trained to help people get through life but to become their inspiration to keep going. Kevin, a three-year-old Labrador, accomplished his first mission with Al Moor, a former U.S. Marine who had PTSD.
With the help of America’s VetDogs, Moore was able to meet Kevin. The tasks that Kevin carried out included nudging Moore awake when he was having nightmares, turning the lights on, and providing physical support when he got dizzy. With Kevin’s help, Moore became more comfortable when he was in public places. This amazing service dog made sure that Moore felt safe.
He had unquestionable loyalty as he even stayed with Moore after his surgery. He was attentive and efficient in doing his job. There was no doubt that he was able to change Moore’s life. Kevin also became an inspiration to Herbert Wilson-Bey, an inmate in Maryland’s Western Correctional Institution.
He trained Kevin so he could become a service dog. Kevin started training when he was only six weeks old. With the collaboration of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and America’s VetDogs, Wilson-Bey became one of the inmates who got to train dogs as future service dogs. The effort began in 2012, and it originally focused on restorative justice.
The training didn’t only train dogs to assist others, but it also enabled inmates to rehabilitate themselves. For Wilson-Bey, training Kevin was a rewarding experience. Wilson-Bey has been in jail for 27 years. He started serving his sentence when he was only 17 years old. According to him, training the dogs was his first real responsibility, as he had never been employed before.
Joining the program in 2013 was his way of giving back. The training takes place on weekdays from Monday to Friday. Some volunteers take the dogs on weekends, so they’re aware of life outside the prison.
After completing the prison training program, the dogs needed to undergo another training, which will last for three months. With all the training that Kevin underwent, it was clear that he went above and beyond to serve people.
Al tells us, “Hospital stays are definitely better with Kevin. Seventeen surgeries before Kevin (BK) and one and…
Posted by America's VetDogs on Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Image Source: America’s Vet Dogs via Facebook