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Editor's Note: See community columnist Marcia Carroll-Burzair's related story about Patriot Paws Service Dogs on her Rockwall Reflections blog.
Sgt. Clay Rankin and his service dog Archie were honored Oct. 29 at a Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recognized the heroic deeds of the patriotic pair, and named Archie “Dog of the Year.”
The 8-year-old black Labrador, trained by Patriot Paws of Rockwall, serves as an assistance dog and social lifeline for Rankin, who suffered spinal cord injuries while serving in Iraq. The Lab is the first canine graduate of the Army’s Wounded Warriors Program, which advocates for seriously ill and injured veterans.
And Rankin, who now lives in Clarksburg, W. Virginia, was the first soldier who fought in Iraq to be matched with a Patriot Paws service dog.
“Archie has made such a difference in my life. He's not just the dog of the year - he's the hero of the year, and not just my hero, but a hero for every soldier that has gone through this,” Rankin said. “He serves as encouragement that as disabled soldiers we can move beyond where we're at, and we can contribute, and we still matter, and we can still make a difference as long as other people support us and allow us to.”
When asked what the award means to him, Rankin replied, “Well, let me ask Archie...what do you think, Arch? Archie says it’s all in a day’s work.”
Lori Stevens, founder of Patriot Paws, was recently named “Woman of the Year” by the American Legion Auxiliary. She and her canine partner Beau have appeared on David Letterman and Animal Planet’s “Pet Star.”
Stevens began Patriot Paws in 2006 after meeting a group of disabled veterans from Dallas VA Hospital and learning of their need for assistance animals.
“What happened next was a huge win for everyone involved,” Stevens said.
Patriot Paws dogs open doors, pull wheelchairs and get help in emergencies. They even help veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression, by serving as lifelong companions.
Stevens lives in RoyseCity with her husband Daniel. She has three sons, including one in the Air Force, who served in Iraq.
Editor's Note: See community columnist Marcia Carroll-Burzair's related story about Patriot Paws Service Dogs on her Rockwall Reflections blog.Dawn Redig is the neighborsgo section editor for Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath and RoyseCity. E-mail Dawn at dredig@neighborsgo.com. Got a story, photo or video to share? Post your news directly at neighborsgo.com. Got a story idea? Send it to Dawn directly. For more about how neighborsgo.com works with our neighborsgo print editions, please visit neighborsgo.com/help.
