GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County nonprofit is trying to help local disabled veterans recover, one close friend at a time.
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Much has been written about the relationship between boys and dogs. Alan Baker tells us the story of one man and his relationship with his service dog.
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“To me, it feels like being with my best friend,” Baker told Channel 2’s Bernd Petersen.
On Wednesday, Baker visited the Top Dog K9 Foundation in Lilburn, a nonprofit that provides service dogs to disabled veterans.
“Just by introducing them to a dog that rests its head on their lap and looks them in the eye, veterans often say it feels like the dog is looking into their soul,” says co-founder Sheila Rashad.
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Baker has seen his share of hardships, including a 29-year military career cut short when he was wounded by a sniper bullet during the Gulf War.
He was physically and mentally scarred, and a few years ago he got his first service dog, a dog named Bullet, who he says helped change his life.
But Barrett recently passed away, which was hard on Baker, so Top Dog trained a new friend who is doing important work for him.
“I’m not going to pay someone $15,000 to give them a dog to just hang out with at home. The purpose of the dog is to get them out of the house and get their life back,” co-founder Blake Rashad said.
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Baker says a giant schnauzer named Tsar is a perfect fit for her family.
“I can’t express to you how grateful I am for these dogs. Having them gives them the opportunity to get outside and start living again,” Baker said.
If you would like to find out more about the Top Dogg K9 Foundation or support the charity, click here
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