New to Southeastern Guide Dogs: Gold Star Family Dogs
Laura (left) and Molly (right) pose with their yellow Labrador named Lumen.
“My daughter is totally in love. She’s very, very happy. She’s become Lumen’s main caretaker and they’ve really bonded.” – Laura, wife of a Navy Seal killed when his helicopter crashed during the Operation Redwing rescue mission in Afghanistan
At Southeastern Guide Dogs, we care deeply about the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as their families. In the spirit of compassion and caring, we have introduced a new type of placement for calm, people-loving dogs who don’t fit in a guide or service dog career: our Gold Star Family dogs.
What is a Gold Star Family?
While not universally understood, the term Gold Star Family dates back to World War I. American families would fly a flag with a blue star for every family member actively serving. If that family member passed away, the star would be changed to a gold star. In 1947, Congress began distributing gold star lapel pins to the families. Our nation recognizes the sacrifice made by families when a husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter dies in service to the nation.
