Pablo & Gizmo
I decided I wanted to get a dog around November of last year. I wasn’t sure on the breed, but I knew I wanted something small to medium, maybe the size of a Jack Russell terrier. I started looking into programs for veterans, and a fellow veteran told me about Soldiers Best Friend. Hearing his story encouraged me to apply, and I’m so grateful he spoke to me that day.
By December, I had already chosen a name for my future dog—Gizmo—after watching Gremlins. Then, in February, during my third week of orientation, I got a call from Blake, the adoptions and foster coordinator. She told me she had found a dog for me: a Boxer mix named Gizmo. I couldn’t believe it. I told her that I had already chosen that exact name. She laughed and said, “It must be fate.” And fate it was.
Since then, Gizmo has changed my life. He gets me outside, keeps me moving, and makes me laugh in moments I didn’t even know I needed. He isn’t just my service dog—he’s my best friend.
I am beyond grateful to Soldier's Best Friend and their staff, to my family for their support, and most of all to Gizmo himself. Thank you all for being here and for giving me this chance.
