This past Sunday was Vietnam War Veterans Day—a day for Americans to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War. Since it is currently not safe to hold memorial ceremonies in person, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund made a video montage showing Hero Dogs Mitch doing what he does best: supporting Veterans—both his own and all those he meets at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the traveling mobile exhibit, The Wall That Heals. Read more about this week’s #FeatureFriday, Hero Dogs Mitch, below and watch the video shared on our page earlier today.
Name/Birthday/Breed: Billy “Mitch” Mitchell/11.28.13/Yellow Labrador retriever
About my partner: Tim served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He presently works for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the organization that helps care for The Wall in Washington D.C. where I spend lots of time helping him and interacting with visitors of all ages.
Favorite skill to assist my partner: Recycle—not one of the skills I learned from Hero Dogs, but the opportunity to take aluminum cans and bottles to the recycle bin in exchange for a treat. I can sense when one is empty and promptly sit waiting for the command. ♻️
How I relax when I’m not working: Napping—I’m the king of napping anywhere and everywhere.
What I love most about being a Hero Dogs service dog: My opportunity to travel all over the US and visit with people everywhere. I have friends—two and four legged varieties—all over the place.
Most challenging aspect of my job as a service dog: Getting people to understand my veteran may not always act like he needs me, but that can change on a moment’s notice.
A quirk I have is: For some reason, I know when you’re going to take my photo, especially with people, and have almost the same pose. It’s my model pose.
3 words my human would use to describe me: Watchful, loyal, unflappable
