Hank is a service dog who serves US Coast Guard Veteran, SGF and MDF Board Member Tom McPeek. Hank was provided by America’s VetDogs who trains service dogs to the specific needs of the Veteran who they will be serving. Hank was trained to support challenges and needs specific to Tom’s DM2.

Hank is trained to support Tom by retrieving any dropped items and is specifically trained to retrieve Tom’s cane and cell phone for emergencies and falls. He is also trained to carry items such as his wallet and bags that have items in them. Importantly, Hank is trained in counterbalance; he can help Tom balance himself to relieve pressure off his hips. He is also trained to push an emergency alert button. Hank has been trained to not only work by Tom’s side when walking, he is also specifically trained to help Tom while on a mobility scooter or in a wheelchair and to open doors for him while doing so. Additionally, Hank provides Tom with newfound confidence when he is alone at home and out in the community.

Please keep in mind that when you see Tom with Hank, he is working. Please ask Tom if it is ok to say hi prior to calling out Hank’s name, reaching down to pet him, or otherwise distracting Hank. Hank is generally free to socialize at the last session of every conference. If you see Hank working with Tom at an MDF conference, please give them space and allow Hank to do his job, do not approach loudly.