U.S. Navy veteran and Legionnaire shares the impact his service dog of 13 years made on his life.
National Service Dog Day was on 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. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Roland Garza, a member of American Legion Post 121 in Watsonville, Calif. He shares the story of the impact his service dog of 13 years, Ms. Daisy, made on his life.
I was on a waiting list for five years for a diabetic service dog. Then I received a call from the La Jolla VA in San Diego that they had a service animal for me that was trained by Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. (STORY CONTINUES BELOW)
I am from McAllen, Texas, and our high school mascot is a bulldog. So when I arrived to the VA medical center we met and trained for over two months and bonded immediately and was able to take her home to Escondido, Calif. Three months later, I was in diabetic coma episode in which my blood sugar was 19 and Ms. Daisy alerted and head-butted me to arouse me so I can get an injection of glucagon because I was unconscious on the floor. This was the first time she performed her task flawlessly and saved my life because of the training she received as a dedicated service dog.
The second time she saved my life three years later was when my gall bladder ruptured and my blood sugar dropped because I had septicemia and was unconscious. Ms. Daisy alerted me and head-butted me until my sister could call 911. McAllen Memorial Hospital surgeons performed emergency surgery, and I was able to recover and enjoy the life she assisted me in having along with my wife, Violet.
Unfortunately, Ms. Daisy crossed the rainbow bridge five months ago. I will never forget her! This is my story and the time our precious Ms. Daisy bestowed in my life.
- Veterans Healthcare