As a veteran of both the Navy and Army Intelligence Corp, Jody is well traveled and versed in the military lifestyle and associated hazards. He was ultimately medically retired. After suffering some medical setbacks, he was encouraged to get a medical service dog.

Within the first month of being paired with service dog Nick, Jody suffered the first (of four) heart attacks. Nick’s advanced warning proved to be key in Jody getting to the ER in the early stages.

Nick has truly been instrumental in his daily survival. Jody often tells people that Nick is the best doctor within a thousand miles of his body. Nick handles everything from Jody’s PTSD, anxiety, blood pressure, blood sugar and of course monitoring his troponin levels to provide early warning for a heart attack.

Proving his bond with Jody. who had to spend more than 30 days in the hospital recovering from a severe stroke last year, Nick refused to be anywhere but in the hospital room and therapy rooms with Jody.



Jody and Nick now spend their non-working hours spreading the word about the benefits and life saving news of service dogs and what they can do for the veteran and first responder community.