PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
¿Hablas español? Escanee el código QR para leer el contenido del boletín de este mes en Español.
6100 Dutchmans Ln., Ste. 601 • Louisville, KY 40205
EMERYLAWOFFICE.COM
INSIDE
GRIEF AND GRATITUDE CAN LIVE IN THE SAME ROOM 1
FURRY AGENTS AND FAILED ESPIONAGE
WHY CHILD SAFETY IS MORE THAN JUST AVOIDING DANGER 2 BLACK FRIDAY’S DEALS VS. BUY NOTHING DAY’S CHALLENGE
APPLE-CRANBERRY SALAD 3
HOW A RESCUE DOG IS LIFTING SPIRITS AT SEA 4
Anchors Aweigh, Belly Rubs Ahead
MEET THE NAVY’S FIRST FULL-TIME MORALE DOG
For one special soldier, the mission is clear: Provide comfort, lift spirits, and stand by his crew, four paws at a time. Raider, a 1-year-old Lab mix from an animal rescue in San Diego, isn’t your typical recruit. He’s about to make waves as the first full-time morale dog on a Navy ship, and he could transform life at sea for hundreds of sailors. With a wagging tail and unwavering loyalty, this pup is ready to serve his country in the most heartwarming way. The nonprofit Shelter to Soldier has been training shelter dogs as service animals for veterans since 2012, with a mission to “save lives, two at a time.” Though the organization partners dogs with individual veterans, it began bringing therapy dogs to Navy ships for special training outings and made a discovery. Crew members felt a special connection with the pups and kept asking, “Can we take this dog on deployment with us?” Raider is the first canine cadet for the job. He was adopted from Labs and More Rescue and has been deep in training since April. This new furry crew member has been working hard on learning to use a “potty patch” on board and special safety gear like booties for his paws and eye protection.
and mental health of sailors and Marines,” according to the nonprofit. Raider will join a team of five handlers and live full time on the USS Makin Island in his own room. Crew members will get their wish, and any time the base deploys, he’ll be along for the ride. Known for his goofy personality and affinity for belly rubs, he’s already bringing cheer to the base and inspiring others to follow in his pawprints. The nonprofit is busy training morale dogs for other ships. “Everyone is just really excited to have a furry companion to go with them when they’re underway,” Director of Operations and Training Nicky Moore said, adding, “What makes you happier than a dog?”
Along with getting his sea legs, he’s learning various commands that will help in his role, which is “designed to support the emotional wellness, morale,
4 | EMERYLAWOFFICE.COM
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator