MANDAN, ND (KFYR) – Service dogs play a vital role both physically and mentally for disabled veterans like Joe Hall. Hall deployed to Desert Storm in November 1990 while serving in the North Dakota National Guard. In 2002, he was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an incurable autoimmune disease that limits his ability to walk, stand, or do any physical activity for an extended period of time. Even just walking up the stairs is difficult. Hall believes his time in the Gulf War is related to his MS diagnosis.
“What causes it is a question mark. I mean, there were a lot of different things going on when we were there. So I can’t put my finger on it, but we had a lot of neurological issues that came from our service,” said Hall, the adjutant and treasurer of the North Dakota Disabled American Veterans chapter.
Enter Harlow, a four-month-old Great Dane who will eventually serve Hall as his service dog, thanks in part to the generosity of Blue Creek Danes of Iowa, a Great Dane breeder who wanted to help a vet in need. Great Danes are not often chosen as service animals, but Hall is 6 feet tall, so a Great Dane is a perfect fit for him.
As a disabled veteran, Hall has good days and bad days. Sometimes he can barely get out of bed. Once Harlow completes his 2,000 hours of training in approximately nine months, he will stand guard and be ready to help Hall with his physical and mental challenges. From the first time they met when Harlow was eight weeks old and gave him kisses, Hall knew it was meant to be.
“I knew immediately that she would help. I’ve visited her twice so far since I first saw her and every time she knows who I am…she keeps me where I need to be,” Hall said.
Every day presents a challenge for Hall that he overcomes step by step. He knows he will be able to take those steps with a little more confidence in the future, with Harlow by his side. Harlow is a $50,000 service dog. Through investments and donations, Hall has raised nearly $43,000. If you would like to help, please send a tax-deductible donation to “Step of Faith K’9s” on Venmo. Put “Joe Hall” in the comments section on Venmo.
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