Wilmington Navy veteran receives service dog for free

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On Friday, 20-year Navy Veteran Barbara Joseph got to take home her new service dog, Carson.  

Carson will help fill the void left by Kenya, Joseph’s previous service dog.

Joseph says for ten years, Kenya helped her cope with stress and service-related PTSD.

“During, let’s say in the evening, being alone—those triggers. It keeps the anxiety down knowing that someone else is there,” Joesph explained. 

Joseph says after Kenya died two years ago, she struggled to adapt to life without the support.  

She began praying for guidance and eventually discovered the nonprofit Canines for Service. 

Once her application was approved, and after two years of training, the nonprofit gifted Carson to Joseph for free.  

“Canines for Service was right there at my darkest hour to answer my prayer,” Joesph said. 

Myrtle Grove Animal Hospital sponsored Carson’s training.  

“The goal is to improve their independence in their day-to-day life,” Lead Trainer Reagan Stauffer said. 

Stauffer notes service dogs can assist veterans with a variety of daily tasks.  

“Even if it’s just a sense of security having the dog with them all the time, it helps them feel safe in a world where they don’t right now.”  

Joesph has already begun bonding with Carson and can now breathe a sigh of relief. 

“I got a fresh start and there’s hope. There’s hope, you know,” she said. “In spite of how long I had to wait, it was worth the wait.” 

Veterans that receive a service animal from Canines for Service are only financially responsible for providing food and veterinary care for the dog after training. Though, Joseph notes the Department of Veterans Affairs will reimburse veterans for any veterinary-related expenses. 

If you’re interested in donating to Canines for Service or want to learn more, you can visit the organization’s website.