Retired Army sergeant major credits his service dog with ensuring the veteran’s not a daily suicide statistic.
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 retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Kevin Bittenbender. He doesn’t mince words when he talks about Kirby’s impact on him.
I was blessed with receiving Kirby from America’s Vet Dogs (AVD) in March of 2023. It was a year after having my leg fully amputated below the knee as the result of burn pit exposure in Afghanistan. To sum up this blessing in four words: Life-changing, life-saving.
Kirby was the 2022 Puppy-Bowl MVP and sponsored by the Houston Texans and Kroger through AVD’s Puppies with a Purpose program. Kirby is trained for mobility (bracing, balance, stairs, retrieval of wheelchair/prosthetics/dropped items), night disturbance and PTSD. From the first week of teaming with Kirby, he awoke me from a night disturbance and allowed me to get a full night of sleep. He has enabled me to be more independent and provides me with the confidence and courage to be more outgoing without the fear of isolation.
He has given me a newfound purpose, passion and being a part of something bigger than myself. He gives me the added confidence to push myself outside my comfort zone, which enables me to grow physically, mentally and spiritually. I am certain that I would be a statistic of the 22 who commit suicide daily if it were not for having Kirby come into my life. He is a huge part of my family and goes everywhere that I go. I am truly indebted to America’s Vet Dogs and to the puppy raiser, trainer and community for bringing him into my life.
- Veterans Healthcare