Dogs really are the kindest souls in the world. It’s really amazing how they are able to transform our lives for the better and how they love us unconditionally no matter who we are.
Service dog Pax is no exception. When he was paired with vetaren Bill Campbell, he turned life around for the brave former soldier and gave him the emotional strength he needed to move forward. But Bill would soon discover that he was not the only person Pax had helped along the road to recovery.
When Iraq war veteran Bill Campbell returned home to the United States, he was in a dark place. During his service he sustained a traumatic concussive brain injury so severe that he returned home with 100% disability.
His post-combat stress was so much that the now 47-year old could barely leave his home in Washington State. His family was concerned about his state of mind and his quality of life going forward.
Luckily, their minds were put at ease when Bill received Pax, a fully trained PTSD service dog. The loyal golden labrador was able to give Bill the emtional strength to move on with his life in a way that he couldn’t had imagined when he first returned home.
Bill was so grateful for Pax that he was determined to meet the woman who had trained him. So Bill and Pax made the journey to Bedford Hills Women Correctional Facility.
Instant recognition
When they reached the facility it was clear that Pax knew exactly where he was. Even more than that, he couldn’t wait for the reunion with his old friend. His tail was wagging non-stop and his joyous eyes were darting around on the look out for his former trainer, a woman named Laurie Kellogg.
Finally, Pax was able to spy Laurie out for a run in the prison grounds. He darted away and showered Laurie with kisses.
“He gave me a sense of freedom”
After the emotional reunion, Laurie and Bill greeted each other and the three of them went to the building where 27 inmates of the facility train future service dogs.
Laurie, who was given Pax three weeks after her father died, explained the impact he had on her.
“I too had P.T.S.D. after years of domestic violence. I too had flashbacks,” she told Bill.
“Pax knew, and he let me know I wasn’t there — I was here. I knew he would make someone feel safe. He made me feel a sense of freedom in a place I was supposed to feel anything but.”
Watch the clip below to see the tearful reunion for yourself:
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/W8q1M6R0vkc” description=”YouTube/OWN Network” /]
YouTube/OWN Network
Incredible service dogs like Pax touch the lives of countless people in ways most of us can’t imagine. You can’t fail to be moved by Bill and Laurie’s emotional stories.
If you think Pax deserves to be recognized, make sure to share this story with all your Facebook friends.
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