MANDAN, N.D. (KFYR) – Service dogs play a critical role, both physically and mentally for disabled veterans like Joe Hall. Hall was deployed to Desert Storm in November 1990 while serving in the North Dakota National Guard. In 2002, he was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an incurable autoimmune disease that limits his ability to walk, stand or do any physical activity for an extended period of time. Even just walking up the stairs is difficult. Hall believes his time in the Gulf War is connected to his M.S. Diagnosis.
“What caused it is a question mark. I mean there was a lot of different things when we were over there. So, can‘t put my finger on it, but we did have a lot of neurological issues that came out of serving,” said Hall, the Adjutant and Treasurer for the Disabled American Veterans North Dakota chapter.
Enter Harlow, a four-month-old Great Dane who will eventually serve Hall as his service dog, thanks, in part, to the generosity of Blue Creek Danes of Iowa, a breeder of Great Danes who wanted to help a vet in need. Great Danes aren’t commonly chosen as service pets, but Hall stands six foot three, so a Great Dane fits him perfectly.
As a disabled veteran, Hall has good and bad days. Sometimes he can hardly get out of bed. Once Harlow completes his 2,000 hours of training in about nine months, he’ll be standing guard and ready to help Hall with his physical and mental challenges. From the first time they met when Harlow was eight weeks old and gave him kisses, Hall knew they were meant to be.
“I knew right away she was going to help. I’ve visited her twice so far since I first saw her and every time she knows who I am…keeps me where I need to be,” said Hall.
Each day presents a challenge for Hall that he conquers one step at a time. He knows he will be able to take those steps a bit more confidently in the future with Harlow at his side. Harlow is a $50,000 service dog. Through investments and donations, Hall has raised nearly $43,000. If you would like to help, you can send a tax-deductible donation to “Step of Faith K’9s” on Venmo. Put “Joe Hall” in the notes section on Venmo.
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