Disabled Vet’s Best Friend

February 9, 2014 – Before Cpl. Stanley can become a service dog to a disabled veteran, he has to spend two years being exposed to different people in various situations.

Good thing he spends a lot of time at Dixon–Smith Middle School, where he’s surrounded by more than 900 students and adults on a daily basis.

“The kids all love him, and the adults love him even more,” said Joanne McDonald, an administrative assistant in the office.

Stanley—as he’s known—is a black Labrador retriever with eyes as dark as coal and fur as sleek as a panther. He’s an English Lab, which means his head and body are fuller than his American cousins. He was bred for the sole purpose of being the best friend—and perhaps the arms or legs—of a service member in need…

Read the full article on Fredericksburg.com.