Courtesy Photo | Mater Sgt. Leigh Michel gets a kiss from her service dog Lizzy (Photo by Whitney...... read more read more
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Life with Lizzy: How a service dog is helping one combat veteran reconnect
By Whitney Delbridge Nichels, Warrior Care and Transition
ARLINGTON, Va. - The saying goes “all dogs go to heaven,” but for many service dogs, their time on earth is spent helping people who have seen more than the average human being. Such is the case for Master Sgt. Leigh Michel and her service dog Lizzy.
After almost 29 years in the Army, Michel’s service has taken her across the world, including combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. Like many of her comrades, during her time overseas, the chaplain’s assistant saw things that left a lasting impact.
“I was in a medical command. Having to see serious injuries and death, that’s when it really started to affect me,” Michel said.
She says those close to her began to notice a change, prompting Michel to begin seeking treatment.
“I just compartmentalized. As caregivers, that’s what we do,” Michel said. “I didn’t trust people, couldn’t be around crowds. I got to a point where I shut everyone out.”
In the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Michel began working to recover from her invisible wounds as well as physical injuries to her neck and back. But just prior to her arrival, she made an unexpected connection that would change her life for the better.
Michel learned of a program called Semper K9, which provides dogs to veterans free of charge. The organization - run by a Marine Corps. Veteran - takes rescue dogs from shelters and puts them through all of the required training to prepare them for duty as a service dog.
It took her some time to find the right four-legged partner. After working with a few different dogs in training, Michel came across one that stood out from the pack.
“I took Lizzy home one night and it was like instant bonding,” Michel said.
After finishing her training, Lizzy, a two-year-old black Labrador Retriever, came home to live with Michel for good.
“Our bond is ridiculous. She kind of knows what I need before I need it.”
Some of those needs include picking things up around the house and bringing things to Michel to aide her mobility issues.
“She crawls all the way into the dryer to get clothes out. It’s a big help,” Michel said.
But one of the biggest sources of support comes from Lizzy’s companionship and ability to get Michel to step outside her comfort zone.
The duo recently participated in a service dog Olympiad competition put together by Semper K9. The event featured agility courses and competitions to showcase the dogs’ ability to follow commands.
Michel says with no prior preparation, Lizzy gave an impressive performance, taking home three awards; two first place and one second place.
For Lizzy’s handler, the competition provided an opportunity to get out around other people and face her fear of being in crowds.
“She’s made me more open. People see her and want to stop and talk. Normally, I would just walk by, but now I stop and have those conversations,” Michel said.
As she continues to develop her bond with Lizzy, she hopes to see other Veterans continue to benefit from the love and assistance of a service dogs.
“Having her in my life has been incredible and I hope to see that for other people.”
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2017 11:52 |
| Story ID: | 253440 |
| Location: | ARLINGTON, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 297 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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