On Saturday, January 11, Puppy Jake celebrated the graduation of three service dog teams, plus the unvesting, or the retirement, of three teams.
For more than 10 years, Puppy Jake has been training service dogs for veterans at no cost. With more than 50 teams placed in that time, some of the first dogs are reaching retirement age as was the case for Bucky, 4Runner and Ray. To represent the dogs moving to a life of leisure — more sleeping on the couch, chasing balls and just hanging at home — the veterans took their service vests off for the last time at the ceremony. The dogs embraced the symbolism and ran around accepting pets from those on hand.
While each of the veterans is eligible for a successor dog, at this time they have each declined. But, Puppy Jake will be ready to match them with new dogs when and if they change their minds.
The service dog journey is just beginning for Hal, Checkers and Hyde. These three dogs were sponsored by long-time supporter Hy-Vee. Each dog’s name holds special significance. Hyde is named after the first Hy-Vee location. Checkers honors those who check out customers. Hal is named after a Hy-Vee employee who was a veteran and passed away in tragic automobile accident. Blaine Halveron’s family was on hand to see Hal go home with his veteran for the first time.
WHO-13 covered the celebration. You can watch the story here.
