Meet Moshe. Moshe is a 5 1/2 year old male Labrador Retriever. He’s also a service dog to Essex County Leatherneck, Paul Tremblay. Moshe regularly attends our meetings and upon entering, his owner gives the release command.
Moshe wags his tail and heads for the first member to greet, sniffing pant legs, accepting generous pets or even freezing in time to a good ear scratch before circling back to his place at his owner’s feet. Rumor has it even a vegan is buying him his favorite meat treats, Blue Buffalo jerky. Above all, Moshe is a hard-working service dog, committed to his owner. Moshe has proven his mettle by saving (at current count) 4 human lives.
Moshe is part of a Veterans Administration benefit. The VA cites the Americans with Disabilities Act allowance for ensuring service dogs are permitted in all places the veteran goes. The VA further highlights the role of a service animal, “A service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.” Paul had a need for a service dog during the covid period. The unique times contributed to a unique service dog. Moshe was trained to do his job but restrictions impacted his training. For instance, he lacked formal socialization yet also took on additional roles to his one-person limit.
Besides attending work with Paul, Moshe is a regular at church, circulating amongst school aged children in church sponsored education classes and otherwise on family time. It is not uncommon for Moshe to “double” as an emotional support therapy dog to young children who pour out their woes to him. No matter how long his day is or how demanding it is, Moshe is relentless in his support to his owner. His cherry on the top of life is – whenever and wherever possible his owner lets him off leash to soak up all the hugs and love from young children. This fills up his love tank like nothing else and then he’s ready to be back at Paul’s side, ready to continue his work.
As a service dog, Moshe is trained to provide 4 alerts. In general Moshe’s place is to the left and front. When Moshe begins to alert his owner of an issue he moves to the right and pushes Paul (Level 1). If the issue is not resolved, Moshe will move to Paul’s front and push him (Level 2). As things escalate Moshe is on all fours and in Paul’s face (Level 3). In the highest level of alert, Moshe will start barking until something changes (Level 4). Moshe demonstrated level 4 to the hospital staff and upon witnessing it, they listened to Paul and allowed the needed corrections to be made in his care.
As noted earlier, Moshe’s training was slightly different. He therefore sometimes extends his services to others—and for 3 people this helped save their lives. Moshe started with an in law when he sensed her medication was not working and she was moving into dangerous medical territory. At Level 4 his alert barking required Paul to step in and navigate the alert communication to the in law who was startled by the barking dog. After an ambulance ride and appropriate medical care, the in law was back to healthy levels.
Moshe’s next alert came to a random person while Paul and Moshe were out shopping at Runnings. Again, Moshe gave a Level 4 response to an area on the stranger’s thigh. Paul again navigated the communication to the man. The man said that was the second dog that had given him the message. About a month later Paul and Moshe were in the same store when they were directed to the customer service desk. The man had left an update – he’d gone to the doctor and was diagnosed with a melanoma. The man reported he was currently in good health.
Finally, Moshe saved the life of a friend and package delivery man. Moshe mostly knew the man in his home environment. One day Paul and Moshe were out shopping and ran into the friend at Sam’s Club. Moshe alerted the friend of a medical condition by pressing his nose to the friend’s carotid artery. Able to interpret the situation, Paul recognized the friend was having a heart attack. Paul began assisting the man and Moshe comforted his friend while waiting for the paramedics. The friend supplied Moshe with a huge box of thank you treats.
Moshe is constantly on the go, and as Paul says, “He works hard taking care of his Marine.”
While Marine Corps League holds closed meetings, Moshe was asked if he could reveal any secrets about the meetings. He wagged his tail yes and said his favorite part is that “all the female members say he is the most handsome good boy in attendance.”
Facts: In a newsletter found online, the VA states that the Service Dog Veterinary Health Benefit is one of the least known benefits the VA provides. The VA advises, if you are interested in this benefit, to schedule an appointment with your VA health care provider and ask more about the benefit.
DISCLAIMER: The Marine Corps League and our detachment are not affiliated with the Veterans Administration. We do not represent the VA nor can we address any questions about the VA. Please contact them directly for any questions you may have.
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