Military Officer - December 2008 - (Page 62) F OUR D OGS, MOST LY L A BRA DO R M I X ES, are enjoying themselves immensely as their trainers patiently teach them how to perform tasks that range from pulling someone in a wheelchair to opening and closing a closet door. It’s fun work, and the dogs can’t seem to get enough. Likewise for their trainers, who smile broadly when their wards successfully do as they are instructed — which at this point in their training is more often than not. “Good girl!” coos one trainer, as he gives his dog an affectionate hug. Numerous organizations across the country train service dogs to assist disabled people, but this group is unique in that most of the trainers are inmates serving time in the brig at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Upon completion of the Military Prison Service Dog Training Program, the trained dogs will be given to Marines wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. The program — a first for a military prison — was initiated by Wilmington-based Carolina Canines for Service. In 2006, the nonprofit organization was selected as the charity of the year by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the VFW Department of North Carolina, which offered funds for the placement of a single service dog to a disabled veteran. Roxy (previous page) and Ethan will learn to assist disabled servicemembers.
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