Bernese Mountain Dog Goes from Puppy Mill to Military Service Dog
Paws of War trains and places shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to U.S. military veterans at no cost to them. They also bring home the dogs and cats that troops bond with while they are serving overseas. They are such an amazing organization and they provide such a wonderful service to not only humans, but the animals that love them.
Hudson, a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy was rescued in 2023 from a puppy mill. Hudson is now training to be a service dog.
Paws of War explains, "Since being rescued from a puppy mill, Hudson has overcome being neglected and is now flourishing not only in his new home but in his service dog training as well. Hudson has successfully completed many months of intense and specialized training with Paws of War trainers and will soon graduate as a Level 4 Service Dog this April and will begin a new life of service. In addition to his service dog training, Hudson is currently “eating a ton’ and enjoying his new life as a pup with his “dog big brother and Walter Mathau lookalike” Hercules and sibling cat Buzz. Hercules is teaching Hudson how to “hunt and play in the yard” and every now and then Hudson will almost catch something according to Ali. Just this past month, Hudson was able to enjoy his first snowfall (video) with his brother Hercules and discover the joy of “playing outside and chasing his buddy” in the snow. "
Related: Service Dog Can't Stop Staring at His Beauty After Discovering a Mirror
Everyone on Facebook is in love with sweet Hudson and one person commented, "What an amazing beautiful story. I wish you Hudson and your pack many many years of happiness and love." Another person added, "Beautiful ending for a beautiful dog!"
Hudson was adopted in May by Ali, a United States Marine Avionics Division Chief.
How Service Dogs Help Veterans
Paws of War pairs veterans with service dogs who are specially trained to perform tasks to mitigate post-traumatic stress disorder, which commonly affects ex service members. Service dogs can help people by providing companionship, alerting their owners to stress triggers, by waking their handlers from nightmares by nudging or pawing them. They also can provide a calming influence and can help prevent feelings of dissociation or detachment during stressful situations and by offering unconditional love and companionship.
Just the act of petting a dog can reduce stress hormones in humans.
Congratulations to both Ali and Hudson and we can't wait to see how Hudson's training goes for his service dog role.
If you would like information on Paws of War and all of the incredible work they do, you can visit their website here.
