Vinck and Madison conquer obstacles together
Seems like there’s always another study about service dogs coming out every few days. Do they really help disabled veterans? Who can prove it scientifically with charts and graphs?
At Canine Angels, we’ve always known the answer. Yes, service dogs do change lives. Our Angels do it every day. Read this testimonial from Greg Vinck (whose service dog is Madison) and decide for yourself.
Four short weeks ago, with Madison by my side, I accomplished something I never thought possible since my return from Iraq in 2004. With the encouragement of my wife, I volunteered to participate in a bicycle ride with a non profit out of Oak Island, NC, called The Warrior Ride.
The first day was tough as we stopped at multiple elementary and middle schools, and the children showered a group of 30+ veterans, from all different eras, with affection. The close proximity and large crowds were tough, but Madison was a rock. We rode on another 30 miles that day – and 90 in total during those three days –stopping at a variety of different things, from the North Charleston City Hall, to the Boeing Factory, and a magnet school. Just one short year ago, the thought of doing any one of these things, let alone all of them in three days was such a paralyzing fear that it could have completely shut me down. Being in the public eye, much less the center of attention often has a crippling affect to anyone suffering from severe PTSD.
I cannot thank Canine Angels enough for giving me my life back. Am I perfect or even close to where I used t be before the war? Not even close. But with every morning (and my trusty Angel by my side) new doors and opportunities open for me and I am enjoying life more now than I have in a very long time. We plan on going on another Warrior Ride in Virginia Beach in two weeks, and for the first time in a long time, I am really looking forward to it.
Again, I want to give Rick and the rest of the staff at Canine Angels my most sincere heartfelt thank you. You supply all of us with so much more than just a service dog. You give us our lives back. God Bless you all and I will continue to spread the word about your wonderful organization as long as I live.
We cannot thank you enough, Greg, for this inspiring and tear provoking testimonial. Remember, it is you and Madison who did all the hard work, and provided the courage and spirit to make it all happen!
