DENVER – A Colorado dog that was once on death row is changing thousands of lives around the country.
“Gander” the labradoodle is in Denver this weekend to share his story and to help educate people about PTSD, veterans and invisible wounds.
“Before I got Gander I had some severe problems. I couldn’t write, I couldn’t get up really well,” said Lon Hodge, Gander’s owner.
Hodge is a Vietnam veteran. He suffers from PTSD and a few other medical issues. When he adopted Gander, his life changed forever.
“Any veteran or someone with an invisible disability who has a dog will tell you that dog saved their life,” said Hodge.
Gander suffered a terrible past, also. He was in a kill shelter in southern Colorado before being transferred to a K9 training program at a Canon City prison.
“They recommended him to ‘Freedom Service Dogs’ which is in Englewood and about four months later we got together,” Hodge explained.
These days Gander and Hodge travel the country educating people. They’ve been to 22 different states in the last six weeks.
This weekend they’re in Denver. You can meet the pair at the Denver Pet Expo all day on Saturday in the Merchandise Mart.
You can also follow Gander on Facebook