After 20 years of serving in the United States Air Force, Veteran Sean found himself in isolation. In 2024, he found exactly what he needed to ground himself in the form of a rescued flat-coat retriever named Chas.
Sean joined the Air Force to continue a family tradition. In the Air Force, Sean was a ground-based controller who provided command and control to air assets to support ground operations. Upon his return home, he found himself avoiding crowds and large gatherings. His disability prevented him from doing the things he once loved.
Chas had his own struggles, too. He was found roaming in a park with his brother, Moe, in Marion County, Florida, before a shelter rescued both of them. From there, K9s For Warriors stepped in and accepted them both into the Service Dog training program in October of 2023.
“It took Chas a while to warm up to me. In the first week of working with him, I was throwing treats to him because he wouldn’t take them from my hand,” Devon, Chas’s K9 Trainer said. “I had to build up his trust to begin showing him love and using tactile reinforcement, like petting, to build our bond and trust in each other so I could teach him the skills necessary to help his future Warrior.”
Chas made great progress throughout the months, strengthening his skills as a future Service Dog. Devon helped him gain the confidence he needed to become a confident working dog.
Soon, it was time for Chas to meet his Warrior.
In May of 2024, Sean and Chas met for the first time at K9s For Warriors, both having pasts behind them and a future ahead of them. The first thing that caught Sean’s attention when he met his new Service Dog was his looks.
“The gate opened, and I couldn’t help but cry. Chas is such a stud. Handsome and always wearing his tuxedo,” said Sean.
“Devon assured me that with hard work and lots of love, Chas would be great. He is amazing. I think what caught my eye was his eyes and that tail of his. He could have done Pantene Pro-V commercials.”
Now, after more than a year together, this pair is going strong and thriving. Sean says he and Chas have been able to do so much together.
“Chas and I have gone snowshoeing, hiking, camping, and to more places than I would normally go. I was more of a homebody than I am now,” said Sean. “I find myself concentrating on Chas and making sure he is okay, more than I worry about being out. I think overall, Chas has allowed me to drop my guard and start to enjoy this phase of my life. We really enjoy walks and running at the park. I would avoid going on walks before, so even that little change is actually pretty significant for me.”
Chas has helped Sean regain his independence and has allowed him to open up more with his family. Meanwhile, Sean has shown a rescue dog love and kindness and opened his home and heart to him.
