Meet Kenneth and service dog Ranger
Kenneth stands with Ranger sitting between his feet.
Kenneth Angelini and service dog Ranger
Louisville, Kentucky
Before coming to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Kenny had a “long journey” going back and forth about whether or not he really needed a service dog, and worrying that there were other vets who needed one more. “I talked to Allison in admissions and alumni support at least 400 times. She helped me with my confidence and made it very easy for me to come here,” says the medically discharged Army sergeant who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and was also a police officer in Louisville for 10 years.
Now a black Lab female named Ranger is the playful, mellow sidekick that will help Kenny become more comfortable in social situations. Up until now, anxiety has forced him to make trips to stores around low times in the early morning or late at night. “Ranger has brought out a joy in me that I haven’t felt in a while,” he says. “I’m very proud of her and happy with her.”
Ranger also doesn’t know it yet, but Kenny’s 9 year-old daughter and 10 year-old son have planned a “puppy wedding” for her and Outlaw, a 2-year-old corgi-Jack Russell terrier mix waiting back home.
“Don’t let fear stand in your way,” Kenny advises others who have doubts about a service dog. “You are not alone. There are a bunch of vets just like us.”
Did you know we provide guide and service dogs to those who need them free of cost? If you know someone like Kenneth that could use a service dog, encourage them to apply today.
