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Our 32nd Year • Over 25,000 Weekly Readers ISSUE NO. 14 • April 4, 2024 • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408
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Training Service Dogs became a beacon of hope; Saving lives is what the dogs do asked if he had heart issues. The professor did and was advised by the handler to Sitting in a college class some time seek medical attention. His life was saved. ago, a K9 handler with her service dog The service dog detected a serious heart at her side heard her dog whimpering issue. and would not stop. The handler (who Service dogs are trained for that reason. asked not to be identified) and dog Oliver They save lives. Handlers do also. Queen walked to the front of the room Although Oliver has retired, this same where the professor stood. The handler handler, a veteran of the US military, is asked several questions of the professor working with Mill-Sec K9 owner Joseph regarding possible medical issues and the Millwood to train service dogs for the public. professor said he was fine. Oliver tapped She joined Mill-Sec about six months ago the professor on his chest and the handler although she’s trained K9s most of her life. Today her service dog Lucifer gives her stability, assurance and guidance as she faces multiple health issues. The veteran contacted Millwood about training Lucifer and they became a training team. As a veteran of the military who sustained injuries, she must have a service dog in order to go through life. Millwood said the dog was evaluated and had the right temperament for the Lucifer. program. A second veteran, James Smith, did not have a dog, but needed one to help him with medical issues he also sustained during his years in the military. Although Smith had four dogs, none of them met the qualifications of a service dog and Millwood was able to help him find Loki, a German Shepherd. Undergoing training, Loki is about six months old and will be fully trained by age two. Millwood provided Smith and the female veteran complimentary training packages valued at $18,000. Millwood, in his first year of business, wanted to give back to the community. He Retired Oliver Queen is responsible is now looking at doing the same for a third for saving a college professor’s life. veteran, who needs a service dog but can’t afford the training. “Our program is designed to guide our disabled veteran clients through the process of training their own dog. The dogs can either be one they already own or one that we help locate,” Millwood explained. Millwood has owned German Shepherds since he was a teenager and his dream was to become a handler. Millwood started service dog training because the disabled female veteran, who had assisted several other veterans with training their own dogs, reached out to him looking for a training home. The veteran enjoys training, but due to her medical needs, she’s unable to train as a full time job, Millwood said. She wanted a place where she could have access to train dogs and receive the support of another experienced trainer so when her own disabilities kept her from doing the job, there would be someone she could rely on to help train. Joseph Millwood, James Smith & Loki. She began training dogs at age 12 and
Article By Jean Gordon.
training for others at age 14. She was injured 14 years ago while on active duty and left the military broken. She decided to use her skills of dog training to teach her first service dog how to help her. Since then she’s assisted disabled veterans and other disabled people all over the country and in Canada with training their service dogs. “She reached out to me looking for help to continue her dreams despite the many complications,” Millwood said. “We talked a lot about her medical needs and I got to see how impressive her skills are. I can’t actually hire her full time or even have a regular schedule for her due to her medical conditions, but I created an opportunity within Mill-Sec K9 so she can continue to do what she loves. One thing that was important for her was the opportunity to help a veteran that was struggling which is why the yearly donation package Veteran James Smith exists.” with Loki, a German Shepherd. The 30 week training course includes public access, basic and advanced obedience and task/ service dog.” Millwood said despite his own struggle work. By the time the dogs complete the program, their handlers are able to with chronic pain and setbacks in his life, function in society with the assistance of he is doing what he loves. “I am limited to what I can do but this is their Service dog, trained specifically for the most rewarding career I could ask for,” their needs. “I want to help disabled veterans who he said. Millwood was 16 years old when he had do not have $20,000 to train their own a life changing vehicle crash. dog,” Millwood continued. He said his lifestyle changed That’s how he and Smith connected dramatically but after physical training five again after several years. They have known each other since 2010 years ago, he began the professional dog as volunteers with the Hudlow Volunteer training journey. “It was the biggest, most unexpected Fire Department. Smith desperately needed a service blessing,” he said. Another accident last year became a dog and was offered the free program from temporary setback. He questioned himself Millwood. Millwood previously trained other dogs, minute by minute if he could continue his but decided to learn how to train service training journey. He continued to push himself beyond the limits. dogs. “I can do what I love through the “We want to help more people who wonderful dogs I train. This has been a need service dogs,” he said. Of her dog, Lucifer, the veteran said, beacon of hope and it provides constant “This is medical equipment, no different resurgence of perseverance.” “When you find your passions, there is than a wheelchair” she said. She also reminds everyone that a nothing else like it,” Millwood added. For those living in chronic pain, service dog can go anywhere the public has access and no one has a right to Millwood reminds everyone their struggle question the service dog’s documentation. with constant pain is real. “Go check on them,” he said. ‘Wherever the public can go, service To learn more about Mill-Sec K9 call dogs can go,” she stressed. “If the public isn’t allowed, neither is a 828-755-7335 or visit Millsecdogs.com.
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