“He gave me a sense of calm like I’ve never had in the past 13 years,” said Master Sergeant Kevin. Retired Bittenbender talks about Kirby the Lab.
Kirby, a Labrador Retriever, is continuing his career as an “amazing” animal.
Before becoming a trained service dog through America’s VetDogs, Kirby was a mascot and He was a “pup with a purpose” for the Houston Texans, the first NFL team to help America’s Vet Dogs train puppies to become service dogs.
Kirby also took home one of the top prizes in dog athletics. having received the Most Valuable Puppy at the 2022 Puppy Bowl, but his most meaningful achievement came two months ago when he became Sergeant Kevin’s service dog. Officially retired bittenbender
SGM Bittenbender served 34 years in the United States Army and retired in 2018.
“I had my left leg amputated on February 17, 2022 due to exposure to a fire pit in Afghanistan. And I suffer from PTSD, TBI and peripheral neuropathy in my legs and hands. My neuropathy was partly caused by my exposure to burns. SGM Bittenbender told PEOPLE that between my movements and PTSD, I was recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center and America’s Vet Dogs accidentally walked into my life.
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The veteran pairs up with Kirby and trains with dogs at America’s VetDogs, so the pair is gearing up for life together.
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“Kirby was trained in PTSD and movement. So he helped me go up the stairs. He helped me when I was in a wheelchair. pick up things from the floor I have a disturbing nightmare He senses my nightmares, wakes me up, and helps me go back to sleep more peacefully.” SGM Bittenbender says of how Kirby helps him each day.
“He’s amazing. my best friend He is now my fighting friend just like when I was a soldier,” he added.
Kirby is from a group of heroes. The Labrador Retriever is Sully’s cousin. Geroge H. W. Bush’s assistance dog, who now works as a convenience dog at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
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“He’s like Sully’s junior, yes, he’s the same, so it’s cool,” says SGM Bittenbender.
Kirby’s impact on SGM Bittenbender’s life over the last eight weeks is more than just physical changes.
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“I’m more social. Having him by my side made me feel calmer and calmer in a crowded area. He made me expand myself,” said the veteran.
Kirby was alongside SGM Bittenbender in the final distance of the Pittsburgh Marathon, helping the owner complete the run. The first of five races that SGM Bittenbender plans to host this year will honor four fellow servicemen: Major Hank Oficier, Sergeant Scott Ball, Sergeant Jan Organish and Sergeant Kody Tyler.
“I lost three of my men on August 27, 2007 due to an ambush. And I always try to do 3 jobs in their honor. After that, I lost the fourth member of the team to the injury he suffered that day as well. So I try to organize events to live up to their sacrifices and to honor their name,” explains SGM Bittenbender.
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“Kirby rekindled that sense of purpose in me. And he gave me an equation that I love to live with. which is related to three Ps. One is aim. another passion And part is part of something bigger than you,” he adds.
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SGM Bittenbender hopes his experience will inspire other veterans to explore whether assistance dogs are right for them. Especially now that America VetDogs’ wait to pair up with a dog has been reduced from 4 years to 12 months or less.
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“He has given me a sense of calm that I haven’t had in the past 13 years, and I enjoyed being with him as he made fun of me. I think if anyone is being dishonest about doing this. It’s worth following,” he says. “What the dog can bring to you is amazing. You may have the most miserable days. But he thinks it’s your best day.”
To learn more about America’s Vet Dogs, visit the organization’s website. And follow Kirby’s movements at Instagram @texanspup.
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