WSOC-TV - Charlotte, N.C.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
A bond between a veteran and man's best friend has inspired the American Pit Bull Foundation to launch a new effort in Charlotte called "Operation Sidekick."
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WSOC-TV first met Tripp and his service dog Tank at Symphony Park in south Charlotte on Friday.
Tripp is a veteran and after six years of active duty, including two tours in Iraq and one in Cuba, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
"I've had to take medication throughout the day. I didn't like social environments," Tripp said.
For years, the veteran's world was clouded with anxiety. However, he said that distress and uneasiness lifted when he met Tank earlier this year.
Tank is a pit bull and has wounds of a different kind. The 3-year-old male has scars on his face after being hit by a car. Tank was rescued by the American Pit Bull Foundation and placed in foster homes until he was adopted by Tripp earlier this year.
The veteran has been training the pit bull to be his service dog, and their bond has inspired the foundation to help launch a new effort called "Operation Sidekick."
"Every day, 22 veterans commit suicide (nationwide)," explained Jennifer Hunt, who is a volunteer with APBF. "And 4,000 pit bulls are euthanized each day. We are going to take pit bulls and train them to be therapy or service dogs for veterans with PTSD."
Hunt said it can cost up to $30,000 to train a service dog. That's why the foundation is raising funds through an upcoming race called the "Rescue Me 5K."
The race will be held at 9 a.m. on Oct. 17 at McAlpine Creek Park, 8711 Monroe Road in Charlotte.
Organizers say it's an event for the whole family. Dogs of all breeds are welcome to come and take part as well.
In addition to the 5K race, there will be an adoption event with several local dog rescues and their adoptable dogs; a Halloween Costume Contest where you can dress up your dog and prizes will be given; as well as a training demo by professional dog trainer Katrina Kranz with UberDog.
For more information and to register for the race visit www.rescueme5k.com
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