Disabled Veteran Meets The Woman Who Helped Train His Service Dog

One disabled veteran by the name of Bill Campbell acquired a service dog, Pax, after he was deemed 100% disabled due to concussive brain injury and PTSD. Pax was a yellow labrador, trained specifically to help Bill tend to his everyday needs. He was trained at a women’s correctional facility and Bill takes it upon himself to reunite his service dog with those who trained him.

Campbell also struggles with PTSD and anxiety, as is the issue with most veterans after they leave the military. Pax was able to help restore a self of freedom and identity with Campbell again. So, he takes Pax back to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for an emotional reunion.

Disabled veteran Bill Campbell with Laurie and Pax

When Pax sees his old trainer, Laurie Kellogg, at the correctional facility, he bolts directly to her. He remembers exactly where he is and who Laurie is. Pax was super excited to see his original trainer again and she welcomes Pax in for a hug with open arms! It was an electrified reunion between the two.

As seen in the photo, Campbell sits down with the women in the facility to talk about Pax and his impact. Laurie knows firsthand what Pax can do for someone who is struggling. She says, “I too had P.T.S.D.,” she said. “After years of domestic violence. I too had flashbacks. Pax knew.”

“I knew he would make someone feel safe. He made me feel a sense of freedom in a place I was supposed to feel anything but,” Laurie explains. She did not want to give him up, but she knew that Pax had a special gift to give to someone else in need.

Laurie is part of a 27-women group who train dogs for the Puppies Behind Bars program. When Pax originally left Laurie to go to Campbell, she would keep his old water dish just to preserve the memory of the service dog.

Laurie continues, “I never thought I’d see him again. If they opened the doors and let me out of prison, I wouldn’t feel this good.”

Those are some bold words towards our good friend Pax here! What a beautiful story. Take a look at the full video footage below to see Pax interact with both Campbell and Laurie!h

Service dogs are so important to our nation’s disabled. Take a look at this one service dog who actually earns a spot in the school’s yearbook of his owner!