Meet veteran Jake Thompson and his loyal service dog, Bella, who recently scored jobs at a Lowe’s in Texas. After three deployments and several knee injuries, Jake had to hang up his Air Force uniform, leaving him in search of a job that would also accommodate Bella, his furry sidekick. Luckily, Lowe’s was ready to step up!
“We were in the process of interviewing candidates for his role when Jake came in with Bella,” shared store manager, Sam Carter. Decked out in matching vests, Jake and Bella are now the dynamic duo of the hardware store in Abilene, Texas, helping customers navigate the aisles. Bella has quickly become a fan favorite, known for her friendly demeanor. Customer Lisa Johnson snapped a photo of them and posted it online, exclaiming, “Love this Lowe’s! They hired a disabled vet who needed his service dog! Way to go, Lowe’s!”
While customers adore Jake and Bella, the retired veteran is equally thrilled to be back in the workforce. After months of feeling cooped up at home, he expressed his excitement about the job. The pair has been working part-time at Lowe’s for about two months now. Having been inseparable for a decade, they’re even in the process of training another service dog. “Instead of medication, I have Bella,” Jake remarked. It’s well known that service dogs provide vital support for individuals with disabilities, a lifeline especially for veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD can develop after experiencing trauma, a common occurrence in military service. Research shows that around 7-8% of the U.S. population will face PTSD at some point, and veterans are particularly vulnerable. A staggering 11-20% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan report symptoms of PTSD, but many are reluctant to seek help. This is a conversation that hits close to home for me, as my partner served an 18-month tour in Afghanistan.
The bond between humans and dogs can produce significant benefits, such as increased levels of oxytocin, the hormone that fosters trust and social connection. “Oxytocin can help mitigate symptoms of PTSD,” explained Dr. Megan Riley, a specialist in animal-assisted therapy. Allowing Jake to bring Bella to work is not just a kind gesture; it enhances his ability to perform his job. Here’s hoping more companies across America will follow Lowe’s example and embrace hiring disabled veterans. After all, it’s the least we can do for those who have sacrificed so much.
If you’re looking for more information about home insemination, check out this post on intracervical insemination. For those exploring family planning options, consider visiting Cryobaby, an authority on at-home insemination kits. For additional resources on pregnancy and infertility, WomensHealth.gov offers valuable insights.
In summary, veterans like Jake thrive when they have the support of their service dogs, and companies like Lowe’s are paving the way for inclusive hiring practices. With a little understanding and compassion, we can make a world of difference for those who have given so much.