JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
For many, dogs are often called a human's best friend. However, for some wounded warriors, they are so much more.
A dog placement ceremony was held Oct. 2, 2014, at the Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston on Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The dog, Bosor, a 19-month old black Labrador retriever, was trained through the NCBC's Service Dog Program in partnership with the Canines For Service, Inc.
"Canines for Service" is a national program that provides disabled Veterans with quality, trained service dogs. The program teams military prisoners at the NCBC with future service dogs, many that have been rescued from local animal shelters.
The dogs accompany and provide help to warriors who were injured while serving their country.
One of those injured warriors is Sean Knapp, a U.S. Army veteran, who received Bosor during this latest ceremony.
Bosor was trained for 12 months by inmates before he was ready to go home with Knapp.
Knapp believes Bosor will bring relief to his family and aid him with mobility as he transitions into civilian life. He hopes to gain a greater sense of independence and hope for the future.
"I'm extremely grateful," said Knapp. "For me, this is like getting the keys to a brand new car. I cannot believe [CCFS] did this for me."
The trained dogs, valued at more than $40,000, are able to perform up to 90 different skills including helping with laundry, retrieving water bottles from the refrigerator and of course, being a constant companion. The dogs can even maintain a buffer zone around a wounded warrior who may need a little extra "personal space," which can mean the difference between a life of isolation and the ability to get out and live a normal life among people.
Since its inception, more than 20 dogs have graduated from the Service Dog Program at the NCBC and placed with veterans.
"It is a privilege to be able to give back to those that have given so much," said
Commander Patrick Boyce, NCBC commanding officer during the ceremony. "Wounded Warriors, reaching out and asking for help, shows a testament to your courage, and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to do so."