Kirby, the remarkable Labrador retriever, continues to make a difference in the lives of those he encounters. Prior to becoming a trained service dog under America’s VetDogs, Kirby served as a cherished mascot and a “puppy with a purpose” for the Houston Texans, becoming the first NFL team to assist America’s VetDogs in raising a puppy destined to become a service dog.
His achievements also include winning the prestigious title of Most Valuable Puppy at the 2022 Puppy Bowl. However, his most profound impact occurred two months ago when he officially became the service dog of retired Sergeant Major Kevin Bittenbender.
SGM Bittenbender dedicated 34 years of his life to serving in the United States Army before retiring in 2018. He faced numerous challenges, including the amputation of his left leg due to burn pit exposure in Afghanistan, as well as PTSD, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and peripheral neuropathy in his legs and hands—conditions partly stemming from his exposure to burn pits.
“When I was undergoing rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center, America’s VetDogs came into my life at a time when I could greatly benefit,” SGM Bittenbender shares with PEOPLE. He was paired with Kirby and underwent training together at America’s VetDogs to prepare for their life as a team.
Kirby is specifically trained to assist with PTSD and mobility-related tasks. He supports SGM Bittenbender with navigating stairs, retrieving items while in his wheelchair, and sensing and interrupting nightmares to allow for peaceful sleep. SGM Bittenbender describes Kirby as “amazing” and refers to him as his loyal companion and “battle buddy,” much like the ones he had in the military.
Kirby’s lineage is intertwined with heroism, as he is the cousin of Sully, the service dog of the late George H.W. Bush. Sully currently serves as a facility dog at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. SGM Bittenbender expresses his amazement at the striking resemblance between Kirby and Sully, referring to Kirby as a younger version of the famous service dog.
Beyond the physical assistance he provides, Kirby has had a profound impact on SGM Bittenbender’s life in just eight weeks. The veteran shares that he feels more socially engaged and at peace in crowded environments with Kirby by his side.
Kirby even accompanied SGM Bittenbender during the final mile of the Pittsburgh Marathon, supporting his owner and helping him complete the race—an event that marked the first of five races SGM Bittenbender plans to run this year in honor of four fallen servicemembers.
Kirby has revitalized SGM Bittenbender’s sense of purpose and embodies the three essential elements he strives to live by: purpose, passion, and being part of something greater than oneself. Through his experience,
SGM Bittenbender hopes to inspire fellow veterans to explore whether a service dog may be a beneficial addition to their lives. He highlights that the wait time to be matched with a canine through America’s VetDogs has significantly decreased from four years to 12 months or less.
“He brings me a sense of calm that I haven’t experienced in the past 13 years, and I thoroughly enjoy his companionship as he enjoys mine,” SGM Bittenbender expresses. He encourages those who may be hesitant to consider a service dog to pursue the opportunity,
emphasizing the transformative power that a dog can have. “You can have the most miserable day, but he thinks it’s your best day.” Kirby’s unwavering companionship serves as a constant source of comfort and joy in SGM Bittenbender’s life.
Please LIKE and SHARE this story to your friends and family!
