George Davis and his service dog, Zoey, share a bond that goes beyond companionship. Davis, a U.S. Army veteran, served for 20 years and was diagnosed with PTSD. Zoey plays a critical role in assisting him with both his mental health and mobility, providing a sense of security and comfort in everyday situations.
“She’s always at my side with me,” Davis said . “We’re walking through the store, she’s constantly looking around me to make sure I’m okay. One of their greatest traits is bringing joy to so many people.”
A U.S. Census Bureau study found that nearly 20% of American veterans suffer from PTSD, a condition that can deeply affect their quality of life.
Zoey was trained by student handlers at the Hearts of Gold program at West Virginia University, a program dedicated to training service dogs for disabled veterans. The program provides a unique opportunity for students to not only learn but also make a meaningful impact.
The service dogs trained by Hearts of Gold undergo two years of specialized training, learning tasks related to mobility and psychiatric disabilities. Each dog’s training is tailored to meet the specific needs of the veteran they will assist. As part of their training, handlers teach dogs up to 90 commands to ensure they can support veterans in their daily lives.
Jean Meade, the program's founder, said their work enriches the lives of both the students and the community.
“It has impacted lives from the students who have taken our courses and trained our dogs all the way through someone in the community who has never heard of Hearts of Gold but meets one of our dogs on the street,” Meade said.
For Davis, Zoey is more than just a service dog — she’s a constant source of support.
“They say you can get a replacement dog; nobody could ever replace her,” Davis said. “I don’t want another replacement dog. She’s going to be my service dog until one of us goes.”
Davis said he and Zoey have been together for five years, and he looks forward to many more.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI then edited by human journalists for accuracy and clarity. WVU News leverages AI to enhance efficiency and accuracy while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical reporting and human oversight.