Robbie Stouffer, from Illinois, can thank his veteran service dog, Carolyn, for saving his life. According to a report from WMBD, Stouffer credits the “bond” that exists between them for her ability to sense his distress and know what was happening, even before he did.
Carolyn is a graduate of Freedom Paws Service Dogs (FPSD), an organization that assists veterans in raising their own service dogs from puppies. With this tailored training, the pup is uniquely attuned to their veteran’s needs.
FPSD’s motto is Never Walk Alone. They specifically cater to veterans and first responders who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
Corey James, CEO of FPSD, told WMBD that they’re able to provide this service “at no cost to the veteran.” It is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, funded by donations.
Carolyn The Service Dog & Robbie The Veteran
In Stouffer’s case, he’s been training Carolyn since she was two months old.
“Almost right away, I mean within a couple of training sessions, we realized this is a match,” said James, speaking of when Carolyn and Stouffer were first introduced.
Stouffer relayed to WMBD that both he and Carolyn have been working together for over a year, that they do absolutely everything together, and that she can often “sense what he is feeling.”
“It’s better than your best friend,” Stouffer said. “It’s… I can’t really really explain the security and the feeling that someone’s there. [She] goes to work with me, she goes to doctor’s appointments with me, shopping.”
A Special Bond Prevents Catastrophe
“It’s better than your best friend,” Robbie Stouffer reportedly said. “I can’t really really explain the security and the feeling that someone’s there.” https://t.co/tIPNQWK41s
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) October 14, 2021
On the day of the incident, Stouffer noticed that Carolyn was “getting kind of goofy.” For example, she kept attempting to sit on him in a different way than usual and wouldn’t leave him alone.
When Stouffer’s chest started to hurt, he didn’t know what was happening. But Carolyn was on immediate alert, which he paid attention to.
“I picked up my phone, and then she sat down,” Stouffer said, recalling his 911 phone call. “And I thought this is kind of weird, weird behavior.”
After explaining to the dispatcher what was happening, they immediately sent help and gave him a few instructions.
“I unlocked the door as [the dispatcher] requested, and then I hit the floor,” said Stouffer.
Had this occurred before Stouffer had picked up the phone, and if he hadn’t felt urged to do so by Carolyn’s behavior, he might not have lived that day.
But instead, Stouffer is well, with Carolyn back at his side. He relayed to WBMD that he’s grateful to have her as a companion.
Did you know that President Biden recently signed a bill to allow Veteran Affairs to provide service dogs to veterans? You can check out the full story here!
Do you have a bond with your pet like Robbie has with his veteran service dog? What does that kind of bond mean for you? Let us know in the comments below.
