The El Dorado Chapter hosted a special guest at the April 14 chapter meeting.  Members met a service dog named; Kenna, a very well-mannered German Shepard who brought her owner Guy Sheble with her.  Mr. Sheble is a veteran of both Iraq conflicts and served in the Marine Corps and Army.  He spoke to the chapter about his experience in training service dogs while in the Army and his mission today to save veterans and shelter dogs by creating partnerships that help heal veterans.

His organization called Silver Paws Ranch rescues dogs from local animal shelters.  These dogs are temperament tested and obedience trained before they begin their service training that is specific to each veteran.  Many of these veterans suffer from disabilities such as PTSD, seizures, and have difficulty rejoining society. The veteran is paired with his dog outfitted with specific gear, and then educated on how to use his dog, how to care for him and how to use the laws to protect his service animal.

Guy calls these dogs, “battle buddies”.  The dogs are trained to be calm in crowded public places.  They are trained for TSA airport screening and boarding aircraft.  His first service dog, Tex, flew with him seated on the floor next to him over 19 times and today he depends on Kenna specifically for balance at night.

First Vice Regent, Carol Ann Nolan is pictured thanking Mr. Sheble and Kenna on behalf of the chapter.