Army veteran and Legion post commander said his dog has given him greater independence and helped him become more active in the organization.
National Service Dog Day was Sept. 20 and is designed to honor the role of service dogs in the lives of people with disabilities and America's veterans. The day was designated by Congress in 2023 and is part of September’s National Service Dog Month.
We asked you to share how your service dog has impacted your life, so we can share your story with others. We will continue to publish those stories throughout September.
Submit your own story and photo on www.legiontown.org in the “Why I Love My Service Animal” section.
Our latest in the series is from Herman Kent American Legion Post 777 Commander Don Pool, a U.S. Army veteran. He tells how his service dog Starling has given him increased independence while becoming part of the Legion Family.
September is National Service Dog Month, a time to recognize the incredible impact service dogs have on the lives of veterans and first responders. As a veteran and the commander of Herman Kent American Legion Post 777 in Jamestown, N.Y., I have seen firsthand how service dogs can transform lives, restore independence, and reconnect veterans to their communities.
For me, that impact has been nothing short of life changing.
My service dog travels with me wherever I go. She has given me greater independence, reduced stress, and allowed me to participate more fully in everyday life. One of the biggest changes has been my ability to spend more time at my American Legion post. Before receiving my service dog, stress and anxiety often limited how long I could stay in social settings. Now, I can spend more time with my fellow veterans and enjoy the activities and camaraderie that make the Legion so important.
Starling has become part of our Legion family herself. Her arrival is often greeted with smiles and excitement, and I sometimes joke that she is the most popular "person" in the building. She has a remarkable ability to brighten everyone's mood the moment she walks through the door.
Her impact extends far beyond the Legion. Everyday activities – such as shopping, attending events, traveling, and simply being in public places – are much less stressful. That reduced stress carries into my work life as well, helping me focus more effectively and engage more comfortably with others.
Perhaps the most dramatic improvement has been in my sleep. Before receiving my service dog, I often spent one to two hours awake at night. Today, that time has been reduced to 20 minutes or less. For anyone who has struggled with sleep disturbances, the value of that improvement cannot be overstated.
Service dogs are highly trained working partners. My dog performs several tasks that help me manage the effects of my own challenges from military service. She retrieves items when needed, creates personal space in crowded environments, provides support through a command called "rest" to help relieve stress, and interrupts nightmares during the night. These tasks may sound simple, but together they create a profound improvement in quality of life.
She has also become an experienced traveler. Over the past year, she has joined my wife and me on camping trips through New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maine and Ohio. She has flown with me to San Diego to watch our son graduate from Navy A School and to Colorado Springs for the Student Veterans of America National Conference. No matter where we go, she is there working and providing support, confidence, and companionship.
While my own experience has been remarkable, what stands out most is seeing the transformation in other veterans. I received my service dog through America's VetDogs, an organization that provides service dogs at no cost to veterans and first responders with mobility challenges and combat-related PTSD.
During my training class, there were 10 humans and 10 dogs. The positive changes that took place were extraordinary. One classmate barely spoke during the first few days of training and mostly kept to himself. On "dog day," we were paired with our dogs, everything changed. By dinner that evening, he was laughing, joking, and interacting with the group as if we had known each other for years. Similar transformations happened throughout the class. The confidence, connection, and hope that emerged in those 10 individuals is difficult to adequately describe.
America's VetDogs makes these life-changing partnerships possible by covering all costs for recipients. The organization provides round-trip transportation to its training facility, lodging and intensive training for two weeks; three meals a day prepared by an on-site chef; lifetime follow-up support; and periodic recertification to ensure teams continue working well together. Most importantly, these highly trained service dogs are provided free of charge to eligible veterans and first responders. Helping veterans to “Live Without Boundaries®”
Service dogs do much more than perform tasks. They help veterans regain independence, reconnect with their communities, improve their mental health and rediscover activities they may have lost. For many of us, they provide a bridge back to living a fuller life.
As we observe National Service Dog Month, I encourage veterans who may benefit from a service dog to learn more about the resources available. These dogs are not pets. They are highly skilled partners, trusted companions and, for many veterans, a path toward healing and renewed independence.
Service dogs are much more than highly trained working animals. They are partners, teammates, and often a lifeline for veterans navigating the invisible wounds of military service. As commander of Herman Kent American Legion Post 777, I have dedicated myself to helping veterans find the support and resources they deserve. My service dog reminds me every day that healing often comes in unexpected forms. She has given me greater independence, reduced stress, and helped me stay connected to the Legion family and the community I love. Supporting veterans is at the heart of The American Legion's mission, and service dogs are one more way we can help ensure that no veteran needs to walk their journey alone.
- Veterans Healthcare