Vietnam Vet and His Dog

Skip and I went to the V A Hospital, for his regular check up.  While we sat there, a man came in with a large size doberman.    I looked at the dog's face.  His eyes were bright, and he  has such a loving face.  I noticed too, that he was wearing a medic vest.   I asked the gentleman if the dog was in training, or was the dog for himself.  He said the dog was for him, and sometimes for his wife.    He suffers diabetes.  Ice, insulin, and whatever else he needed, the dog carries in his vest.  So the gentleman sat down beside me.  It was so funny how this dog watched his master.  He proceeded to tell me about the dog.   The dog's name is Mooch.  We will call the Gentleman, Rick.

I asked him how much does the dog weigh.   Rick said he weighs 100 pounds.  As Rick was sitting there, Mooch got between his legs and put his paws across Rick's stomach.  He watched Rick very intently.  Mooch can sense when Rick may need insulin, so he tells, Rick he needs to be taking his medicine.   Rick started to tremor, and Mooch watched over him as, if Rick was his child.  I reached out my hand, then, Mooch laid his chin on my hand.  Rick said, if I held my hand there long enough, Mooch would fall asleep. 

Rick lives out in the country.  About 3 years ago, a pup was left at his front door.   A 6 month old doberman puppy.  The pup, decided to eat out of his dog's dish, and this how he gained the name Mooch.  So, Rick and his wife took the dog in and raised him.  Rick, noticed how Mooch did certain things, always walked to the right side of him, and.he been neutered.  In time Rick would be suffering diabetes, where he need the assistance.  Rick decided to have Mooch trained.

So, Mooch was off to school  went to be trained as a medic dog.  Rick explained to the owner of the school,how Mooch became his dog.  She told him it sounded like it was one of her pups.  She breeds and sells  large sized dobermans.  A pup was sold to someone, that Mooch was found, or should I say dumped at time Rick mentioned of finding him.

Of course the trainer, got to know Mooch and Rick quite well.  Mooch graduated from school a week ago.  I didn't ask if he had a graduation party.  Bet he did.  He has papers and a license to prove his degree as a Medic Dog.  I saw his license, quite impressive.  His papers he don't have yet.  His sude-O papers are with him.  The trainer told Rick, she would give a him a free puppy, when he may need one, if something happen to Mooch.

Rick stated he served Vietnam  and Skip said he did too.  They both had some war stories they shared.  Then Rick went on and explained he was exposed to Agent Orange.  Skip told him he thought so, due to the sores up and down his arms.  His finger nails were gone, due to the Agent Orange is why he suffers Diabetes.   I have seen men who suffered Agent Orange. 

I said to Rick, Mooch ending up on his porch, was meant to be.  He said, yes, for him it was a God Send.  As they left I said that Mooch is Rick's baby.  Had to laugh, and say, "No, Rick is Mooch's baby.

It was such a pleasure meeting Rick and Mooch at the V A hospital.  It was very rewarding.  I hope I come across them again one day.

I think it was wonderful that, Mooch came along in Rick's life. Rick has been truly blessed with such wonderful creature, that loves Rick so much.

Miracles are around us.  Sometimes we need to open our eyes and see them.