Meet Wesley and service dog Coco
Service dog Coco practices “hug” with his handler Wesley.
Wesley has overcome many challenges, after 11 years in the Air Force followed by 12 years in the Army. He served as a combat engineer and as a weapons instructor on a Military Transition Team (MiTT), training the Iraqi Army. He spent 16 years overseas, including time in Korea, Okinawa, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Although symptoms of PTSD caused him to isolate and become reclusive, he ventured out to a Lone Survivor Foundation therapeutic retreat where he heard how a Southeastern Guide Dogs service dog helped its founder, Marcus Luttrell.
About the time Wesley first applied for his own service dog, he was diagnosed with cancer. He endured months of chemotherapy and surgery, and finally was able to come for his new service dog, Coco. This intelligent, sweet goldador with her auburn coat has already helped him sleep better at night. During training here, he realized that going out to stores and restaurants was possible with Coco by his side.
Back home in Cocoa, Florida, Wesley knows that his 15-month-old baby girl, Nicole, will love Coco’s soft touch and sweet personality. His wife, Lyn, will also enjoy Coco’s companionship, as this courageous family faces their future together.
Wesley and service Dog Coco stand together surrounded by trees.
