Service Dogs Help Veterans Get Out of Bed Each Day

At the age of 17, Andres Burgos enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served eight years in 12 countries and came home "without a scratch."

But back in Massachusetts, he was driving his motorcycle on the Mass Pikeand was struck by a hit & run driver and knocked onto the highway. Before he knew it, he was run over by a van. So at the age of 25, he lost his leg, and many of his dreams of a future career, said Burgos speaking at the Town of Framingham's Veterans Day program.

Monday, the well-dressed Foxborough resident, limped slightly with his "$80,000 prostatic leg" and said if it wasn't for his NEADS assistance dog "he wouldn't get out of bed."

He told those assembled in Cushing Chapel for the Town of Framingham's Veterans Day program, at the age of 25 his life changed, he went from a guy who had accomplished so much at an early age to someone who had to learn how to walk again. He said he spent many a days in bed.

But then he was matched with Gunny, a NEADS assistance dog. He described the process as 'amazing: as from day one the two "bonded"

Editor's Note: Attached to this report is video of Burgos talking about the first day he met Gunny and how the dog changed his and others' lives he came in contact with. 

Before coming to Burgos, Gunny spent time socializing with the Wadland family in Framingham.

Scott Wadland, said when he saw that Gunny was going to a part of the veterans program, he had to attend.

Burgos was not the only veteran to talk about how a dog helped him during Monday's Veterans Day program. U.S. Army Veteran Kent Phyfe of Connecticut said his service dog Iris "saved his life."

Phyfe after retiring from the Army in 1996, was treated at Walter Reed Hospital for medical issues. He said he tried to adjust to civilian life, but in 2003 his medical condition "really deteriorated."

He said he couldn't work and he was stuck in his house. He said he went from someone who at been at the top of their game and trained to do everything for their country to a person who couldn't do anything for himself. He said he became depressed and wanted to checkout of life. 

Several time, he placed a .45 caliber gun to his head, he told those assembled in Cushing Chapel.

After having seven heart surgeries, plus other surgeries he was not allowed to drive and was stuck in his house. "I felt like I was a baby," said Phyfe.

His condition causes him to blackout and he would spend 8-10 days a month in a hospital.

But since getting Iris, through America's VetDogs, he has hardly spent a day in the hospital. 

Phyfe credits Iris with giving him back his life and his sense of humor.

"I smile every day because I have something to live for," he said.