Greenville, South Carolina (WSPA) — Battle Buddies of the Carolina is an organization that pairs veterans with service dogs. During a Swamp Rabbits game, they introduced his Upstate veteran to a lifelong friend.
It was the beginning of a special relationship.
Carolina Combat Fellows said the dogs are helpful in helping veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress.
Battle Buddies co-founder Jo Anne Creed said: “Like using a cane or taking medicine, it’s a proven recovery tool.”
The organization was co-founded by Marine Creed and her husband. They said their personal experience indicated the need for a service dog.
“My husband, a Marine Corps veteran, has had many injuries, has a service dog, and has been a great help with his mobility issues, so from a personal perspective, it’s I know it works and I’ve seen what a difference it makes…it affects their lives,” Creed said.
This season, Greenville Swamp Rabbits will be joining the veteran and service dog pairing for the first time by sponsoring Deke, a 10-and-a-half-month-old golden retriever.
Tim Vieira, vice president of Greenville Swamp Rabbids, said, “An important part of Battle Buddies is knowing this isn’t a one-off piece where they pair up and have a moment tonight. “This is the beginning of a relationship that will impact veterans’ lives and continue to see them grow and succeed.”
Swamp Rabbits fans witnessed the Sergeant pairing. Jonas Piester and his new counterpart Deek. Alongside them were two trainers from Deek, a sister duo from Clemson University studying to become veterinarians.
“We have Deke for 12 to 14 months, during which time we are responsible for his basic training and socialization which includes taking him everywhere we go. So when he goes to a veteran, he’s used to any environment,” said Deke’s trainer, Victoria Mueller.
Sergeant Piester said he knows the bond with a service dog is important for veterans.
“So they’re never completely alone, they always have someone by their side,” says Piester.
He said Battle Buddies provided him with just that.
“It gave me my life back,” says Piester.
