Dave Walker is a haunted man. The 65-year-old Air Force veteran wages daily combat with the memories of his dysfunctional childhood and of the comrades he lost while serving. 

Chiron affectionately licks Dave Walker’s face in their backyard near downtown.

At his side: a 2-year-old standard poodle named Chiron, calmly waiting in case he’s needed.

“Sometimes something just comes to mind and is a little overwhelming, and he will kind of step in and remind me where I’m at, what I’m doing and [that] I’m okay,” Walker explained.

He traveled a long road to get to this point but received a huge boost from Victory Service Dogs (VSD), a local nonprofit that helps veterans and first responders train their dogs to provide physical and emotional support.

In 2015, Army and National Guard veteran Steve Corey, now 61, learned that an average of 22 veterans die by suicide every day in this country. He knew he had to take action.

“I was in transition from the business world, and I really wanted to do something where I could give back. And I wanted to do something with veterans. I saw a huge need,” Corey said.

The longtime dog lover studied Freedom Service Dogs of America’s process and tailored it a bit. He noted that many programs had long waiting lists and resolved that VSD clients would get the help they needed as quickly as possible.

In less than 10 years, Corey and the VSD trainers have graduated more than 100 human-canine teams, all at no charge after the $75 application fee and a $50 evaluation of the dog’s temperament and skills.

They learn to help people coping with mobility issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. Mostly, these loyal four-legged heroes help their equally heroic humans find their footing, emotionally and physically.

“To see a person suffering with [suicidal ideation] is really what it’s all about for us. We want to stop that. We haven’t lost anyone to suicide,” Corey said.

MAN’S BEST THERAPY

Applicants have three options for recruiting their four-legged teammates:

1. Contact a local, extensively vetted breeder. A certified VSD trainer evaluates the chosen puppy using American Kennel Club (AKC) standards before adoption.

2. Bring in their own dog (under 2 years old) for evaluation. It may be difficult, however, for a family pet to transition to a service dog focused on one person.

3. Be matched with a donated dog that fits their needs and preferences and has undergone testing.

VSD recommends poodles or poodle mixes, Labradors and golden retrievers. These breeds are known for their intelligence, calm and friendly personality and desire to work. The canine candidates also go through extensive health examinations.

Sandra Jacobs, 38, a VSD trainer and head of administration, explained the tests dogs must pass before being accepted for training. 

First, they undergo a basic obedience test to ensure they can listen to and follow commands. Next, they take the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test, which includes accepting a friendly stranger, walking on a loose lead and staying calm around distractions, including other dogs. Finally, the dogs are tested in a public setting, such as a crowded store. 

Applicants must be disabled veterans or retired first responders in the Colorado Springs or Denver areas. 

VSD has also expanded to work with children facing physical or mental challenges. Corey’s wife, Kim, 63, a teacher, had a diabetic student who experienced serious episodes of low blood sugar. She inquired about getting the child a dog to alert in such situations. The experiment was a success, and now the VictoryKids program helps local children ages 5 to 17. 

HEALING FOLLOWS TRAINING

Clare was a skinny dog found wandering downtown and taken to the Humane Society. Despite spotting a squirrel in Bob O’Donnell’s yard, the well-trained Clare remained calm. O’Donnell believes Clare picked him as her human.

For adults, the process from initial application to the start of training can take three to six months, according to Jacobs, who retired with combat injuries after serving more than 14 years in the Air Force. Clients spend one hour per week learning to train their dogs, with the total training time averaging 18 to 24 months. VSD can be flexible with the timeline if trainers demonstrate commitment to the process. To maintain certification, dogs must pass the public access test annually.

“You build your confidence in yourself, because you’re the one training your dog. That helps, because self-esteem issues are half the battle,” Jacobs said.

Bob O’Donnell, the VSD chaplain, served 22 years in the Navy, where he sustained injuries to his head and one hand. Now, with the battlefield behind him, he’s found a new best friend. O’Donnell is currently training Clare, his nearly 2-year-old Black Lab-Great Dane mix, to assist him during migraines, seizures and equilibrium issues.

“If I’m standing, she grabs my hand with her mouth really softly and takes me to sit down,”
he said.

Clare, a certified therapy dog, accompanies O’Donnell, 66, on his visits to hospitals and events for children with special needs. But mostly, Clare is his lifeline, faithfully at his side.

“If I’m having a PTSD nightmare, she comes over to me, puts her head on the bed and just watches me,” he said. 

She often licks his face to bring him out of the nightmare.

In August, VSD graduated 16 teams, its largest class so far. Among them: Walker and Chiron, after about 20 months of training.

FROM WAR TO WELLNESS 

Walker was an active-duty pararescueman and a parachute instructor at the Air Force Academy, then was a part-time pararescueman in the Air Force Reserves. Although he served during peacetime, his team partnered with Navy Seals, Army Rangers, Green Berets, Marine reconnaissance units, Air Force combat controllers and foreign military personnel. 

Their duties included saving injured hikers and tending to sick naval personnel at sea, foreign sailors suffering acute medical conditions and Air Force Cadets wounded during parachute training. He left the service with PTSD, depression and hearing loss. He sees a therapist weekly and takes medications to cope with suicidal ideations and hypervigilance. 

“If you need help in any way, shape or form, ask for it. If that means getting a dog to be with you 24/7, do it. The rewards are constant,” Walker said.

He can simply say Chiron’s name and the dog will put his head in Walker’s lap or his front paws on Walker’s shoulders. If someone says “Dave” and he doesn’t hear it, Chiron will alert him.

Chiron has changed Walker’s life.

“With the help from Victory Service Dogs and Chiron, I can get out of the house, be more confident and participate in life with my family and friends.”

Victory Service Dogs

For information about the program, donating or volunteering, visit victorysd.org or call 719-394-4046.