If there is one thing that most of us realize about dogs, it’s the fact that they have the ability to change lives. Ask anybody who has ever owned a dog as a family pet and they will tell you that their family would not be quite the same without them. In fact, it is often difficult to measure the impact that they have on our lives but one thing is certain, the impact is genuine and it is long lasting.
One of the best things about dogs is the fact that they offer us so much and they don’t ask for anything in return. When we come home after a difficult day, they greet us at the door and they sit beside us when we are feeling lonely. There are also times when they may do more than simply be a household pet. Dogs also have the ability to save lives and sometimes, they may save more lives than one.
You are about to hear the story of a beautiful service dog named Pax. He was a companion and a helper to a disabled veteran who had the opportunity to live once again after he received the service dog. In addition, Pax also was able to help an individual who was in a correctional facility.
Bill Campbell was a war veteran of the Iraq war. When he came home, he had a concussive and traumatic brain injury which left him with a 100% disability. Everybody was concerned about the quality of life that he would have but thankfully, he was able to receive a golden Labrador service dog that would help him in more ways than he could imagine.
Pax was trained to help individuals who suffer from PTSD. He stood by Bill’s side and gave him the emotional strength necessary to live his life again after he came home from the war.
Bill was very thankful that he had Pax but he was also thankful for the woman who trained him. He was determined that he was going to meet that woman so he went to Bedford Hills Women Correctional Facility to meet the dog’s trainer. Her name is Lauri.
As soon as Pax entered the facility, he could tell that he was in familiar surroundings. His eyes were shining, his tail was wagging and he was absolutely excited to be in that area again.
Then came the moment that Pax spotted Lauri from the top of the hill. He was suddenly running as fast as he could to his trainer and old best friend.
Pax was obviously overexcited when he pounced on Lauri but she was excited to see him as well.
In between all of it, Lauri and Bill hugged about the mutual friend that they had in Pax.
As the reunion was going on, Bill was taken inside where the women were training service dogs. He sat down with Lauri and realized just how much the dog had meant to her. She went so far as to say that Pax had changed her life so Bill was the first one to receive such a gift from the dog.
Lauri explained:
“I knew when they told me when he was going into PTSD training, that he was going to make somebody feel the sense of freedom that he gave me in a place where I was supposed to be everything but (freedom).”
“I realized, by giving me Pax and by taking him from me. He had given me the greatest gift that anyone has ever given me my entire life. He had restored a piece of my soul”.
Lauri was brought to tears with the reunion. Pax was able to save two lives, both Bill and Lauri.
