News

Police Companions

December 22, 2020

A Ponte Vedra-based nonprofit will donate service dogs to three police departments in Northeast Florida on Wednesday. K9s For Warriors on Tuesday said the donations would not only benefit the Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach police departments, but would also provide the dogs a new supportive, family environment. The dogs — Jamie for […]

Remembering A Service Dog

December 22, 2020

“At first I was just hoping that when he ran back to me maybe he just had a broken leg and I was in complete shock of everything that happened,” said SU graduate student Haley Michlitsch. Haley Michlitsch was walking her service dog Addy when he jumped in front of a car that almost hit […]

PTSD Service Dog

December 22, 2020

For nearly a year and a half, a Labrador retriever named Archie helped Debbie Carleton get out of bed every day. Archie was matched with Carleton, a Halifax Regional Police detective who logged more than two decades on the job, by Canadian Intervention and Assistance Dogs, or CIAD. But Carleton, who now lives in New Brunswick, […]

K9s For Warriors

December 22, 2020

A First Coast nonprofit known for serving disabled veterans by providing them with service dogs is branching out to serve three local police stations in need of canine companionship. K9s for Warriors, based out of Ponte Vedra Beach, wanted to give back to others who selflessly serve in uniform. That’s why they’re holding a ceremony […]

Service Dogs For Veterans

December 22, 2020

When his U.S. Army detachment was sent to serve in the War in Afghanistan, Tim Kellermann’s first stop was the massive Bagram Air Base. “You can actually see pictures of it in the first ‘Iron Man’ movie,” he said, his voice containing perhaps a hint of pride in having arrived at such a high-profile destination. […]

Canine Companions

December 21, 2020

Wallis Brozman’s service dog Renata is always ready to work: to pick up items that Brozman drops, to help pull her wheelchair and in general, to stay attentive to her needs in any situation. “I could probably find ways to do some of the things Renata helps me with,” Brozman said. “But she allows me […]

Arson Dog Teams

December 21, 2020

The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is welcoming three new members to its team — and they’re all dogs. K9 Phantom, K9 Gunny, and K9 PJ are the newest accelerant detection canines, also called arson dogs, to investigate suspicious fires in the state. Officials said these dogs are highly trained to sniff out evidence at […]

Military Working Dog

December 21, 2020

The silence is deafening as I stare into his eyes. He’s looking at me from 15 yards away, his gaze unwavering and I feel as if he’s staring into my soul. The suit I’m wearing is heavy and makes the thought of running a laughable idea. In my head I hear the faint whistle from […]

Family Gets Service Dog

December 21, 2020

On Dec. 17, 2012, Nichole and John Flemens’ son, Canton, made his way into the world, but their lives would be changed forever a couple of months later when they learned that Canton had a stroke in utero. They went through therapy with their son, and things were progressing well when they learned shortly before […]

Forever Friendship

December 21, 2020

Some friendships are built to last, and one of them is between Cpl. Dustin Borchardt and his military working dog, Pearl. The two have been together for six years, an unusually long time compared to most handler-MWD relationships, Borchardt explained. But their friendship wasn’t always so stable. “We showed up to Fort Campbell at the […]

Assistance Dog Retires

December 18, 2020

Assistance dog Yazmin, who belongs to a medical secretary at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn, is retiring at the age of 11 following nine years of service. Yazmin will enjoy her retirement at home with Jill Southgate’s husband, who is also retired, while Mrs Southgate welcomes a new assistance dog in the New Year. Mrs Southgate […]

PTSD Service Dogs

December 18, 2020

A PTSD service dog that earned nationwide attention has died, according to the pet’s owner. Army veteran Justin Tucker says Roxy, his beloved pit bull, was euthanized Friday morning after being diagnosed with cancer back in August. “Roxy was my entire world,” Tucker said on Friday. “From leaving active duty Army and becoming a civilian, […]

Boys Wishes Come True

December 18, 2020

After more than one misdiagnosis and struggles that at times seemed insurmountable, help is on the way to Berkshire Forest’s Holman family. Peppa, a 4-month-old chocolate lab, is in training to become a service dog for 12-year-old Nicholas, who is just about 100% disabled because of a calcium channel disorder called CACNA1A. Perhaps by chance, […]

Atascadero Police K-9s

December 18, 2020

Today the Atascadero Police Department’s K-9 Unit will receive an unexpected holiday donation. The owners of two businesses in town, Glenn’s Repair and the Grocery Outlet, have arranged for a check presentation ceremony to take place in front of the Atascadero Police Department, located at 5505 El Camino Real. Geoff and Kate Auslen, the owners […]

A Christmas Miracle

December 17, 2020

A service dog who went missing for more than 3 years is finally back with her family and home for the holidays. Steve and Debra Mejeur said their black lab mix, Lola, disappeared in 2017 while they were visiting a friend’s house in Illinois. Somehow, she managed to escape from the friend’s fenced-in backyard, nearly […]

Training Area For Dog Program

December 17, 2020

The Harvard Lions Club has always been a dedicated service group, putting much-appreciated time and energy into assisting local organizations and causes. The club’s latest project was in Devens, building an outdoor service dog training area for Clear Path for Veterans New England (Clear Path NE). The training area was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony […]

Trainer Changes Lives

December 17, 2020

Seizures have affected Bre Upmeyer’s life since the third grade. Her epilepsy diagnosis changed how her peers viewed her, it changed how she learned, it made her the last of her friends to get a drivers license. But it didn’t change her dreams. Upmeyer had always dreamed of following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming […]

Stolen Service Dog Reunites With Owner

December 16, 2020

A service dog that had been inside a pickup truck when it was stolen on Friday afternoon was found safe inside the truck on Saturday. Luisa Escudero’s blue Ford F-150 truck was stolen just after 3 p.m. Friday from the Chevron gas station at 3100 Davie Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Odin, a 9-year-old, 110-pound bull […]

Family Needs A Service Dog

December 16, 2020

Seven years ago, Avery Edwards was born with cytomegalovirus (CMV). The virus left him with long-term challenges, including hearing impairment. At age 4 he was diagnosed with prioproception (meaning he has difficulty determining where his body is in space) and vestibular dysfunction. More recently, he received a diagnosis of autism. “When Avery is told he […]

Traveling With Service Animals

December 16, 2020

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) commends a newly issued final rule from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that amends its regulation under the Air Carrier Access Act regarding the air transport of service animals. The final rule is intended to ensure that the nation’s air transportation system is safe for the traveling public and […]