HOUSTON – The non-profit, America’s Vet Dogs, has matched another deserving veteran with one of their service dogs, and it happened just before the second quarter of the Texans vs. Chiefs game on Sunday.
The service dog in-training, affectionately known as “Texans Pup” Kirby, was sponsored by the Texans and Kroger to receive more than a year of training. The yellow Labrador is now a part of Sgt. Major (ret.) Kevin Bittendbender’s family as he heads home to Pennsylvania.
“A lot of emotions. A lot of emotions. It’s a blessing. I knew it was meant to be,” the sergeant major said.
Sgt. Major Bittenbender adds that the gift of a service animal will continue to help him with PTSD.
He served in the U.S. Army for 34 years and was deployed several times during Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to needing a lower left leg amputation due to combat service and burn pit exposure in Afghanistan, Bittenbender also deals with emotional scars that run deep.
“I have survivor’s guilt. I lost three great friends of mine in Afghanistan. With that, I struggle with it on a daily basis,” he said.
Bittenbender applied for a service dog six months ago to help him with his day-to-day life.
“I have a hard time, especially in public. I’m hoping Kirby will help me out with that and be a conduit, providing me with more social ability to be social,” Bittenbender explained.
As for other veterans and first responders going through a difficult time, he said it’s important to speak up and be heard.
“In the military, I think we are some of the best actors and actresses. We put up this front and this armor and it’s tough to shed that armor. We don’t want to show weakness, but it’s OK. If you have a fellow veteran, reach out to them and let them know you got their six... you have their back and it’s OK to talk with you and share with you what they need to get off their chest,” Bittenbender said.
Bittenbender will go through his own training to learn Kirby’s commands and looks forward to the future with his newest family member.
“Like I said, I’m really open to beginning this journey with Kirby,” he said.
KPRC 2 first featured Kirby during a puppy bowl segment in February.
