Every September, the world observes National Service Month. It is a month of raising awareness and showing gratitude for the contributions of service dogs to different people.
In observance of this year’s celebration, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) are honoring a duo for their service to the community. The duo is composed of Julian King, a veteran, and his hardworking dog, Mocha. Julian and Mocha are providing their services for the residents of Coos Bay, Oregon.
In almost one decade now, the pair had already visited almost all hospices and senior facilities in the area. The two would then provide happiness to the people in these communities. They do this by allowing the residents to engage with Mocha.
According to Julian, he started this advocacy after he retired from the United States Army. After his retirement, Julian stayed for a while at a hospital for treatment. He was then suffering from mental anguish because of the nature of his work.
During his time inside the hospital, he was visited by several service dogs and their handlers. The presence of the service dogs positively affected Julian’s whole well-being. This was the time that he realized he wanted to do the same.
As such, when he got fully healed from his dilemma, Julian immediately looked for a service dog. Fortunately, Julian came across Mocha, and as he described it, the rest was history.
The duo underwent various training with the Furry Friends Therapy Dog Organization. Through the organization, the two learned the nuances of providing care for people who need it.
For Julian, the job that he is doing with Mocha gives meaning to his life. The veteran is thankful he is allowed to help others in his special way. He then said that doing this work is his way of giving back to the service dogs that previously helped him.
Coos Bay veteran and dog recognized during National Service Dog Month – KVAL https://t.co/Xw2cVnsKrX
— 🇺🇸🎖🐾 Vets w/ Pets 🐾🎖🇺🇸 (@vetswithpets00) September 28, 2021
Credits to Vets with Pets.
