Tracy and Therapy Dog Joe

Naval Health Branch Clinic – Andrews Air Force Base, MD
Enter “Joe”, a 2 and a half year old Black and Tan Labrador who seemed to have been born for this job and purpose. Our trainers referred Joe to the Veteran Service Dog program after it became evident that he did not want to lead but rather follow and interact with everyone who came in his path. And that is when a whole new path opened up for Joe in his new position as the official Facility Therapy Dog for the Andrews Air Force Base.
And it was love at first sight. Lt. Krauss and Joe bonded immediately, as did her husband and children and two family dogs. But, while it was expected that they would get along fine, it was at the clinic where Joe’s special gifts were soon realized &em; on his very first day of work!
Joe’s entrance into the clinic on that first day couldn’t be missed: Upon his arrival there, Joe promptly picked up his own leash and trotted happily behind Lt. Krauss to the waiting room where they greeted the military personnel waiting &em; some bored, some angry, some anxious, some sad &em; all smiling when leaving the waiting room for their medical appointments.
And this was just Day One. Mission accomplished, with much more to come.
Images and biography courtesy of Southeastern Guide Dogs