Surgery to let dog keep helping homeless veterans in Ventura County
Mo Jazi
A service dog who helps homeless veterans in Ventura County is getting a $5,000 surgery to help him keep doing his work.
As part of the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation's mobile veteran outreach program, Leo ventures into homeless encampments throughout Ventura County.
Foundation Executive Director Bob Harris said the 165-pound white mixed Samoyed has been a tremendous help to homeless veterans.
Rafael Stoneman, Leo’s companion and director of the outreach program, went so far as to call Leo “our secret weapon in the battle to end veteran homelessness in Ventura County.”
Stoneman, once a homeless veteran himself, said homeless veterans can avoid contact with law enforcement or social service workers who try to engage them.
“Leo breaks down all the barriers and gets the conversation started faster than any person could,” Stoneman said. “They immediately sense they can trust him.”
But Leo has been suffering from hip dysplasia, a common ailment for large dogs that makes it hard for him to walk the streets and alleys where homeless veterans can be found.
Surgery is his best chance for him to get his mobility back, the foundation said.
On Sept. 12, a group of foundation leaders and government agency representatives came together to acknowledge how important Leo’s work is. Foundation board Chairman Dennis Murphy explained how the efforts of Leo and Stoneman recently saved the lives of veterans and their families, including one newborn infant.
The highlight of the evening was a check from the foundation board for $5,000 to cover the cost of the surgery.
That means he should be able to keep doing his work.
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“When we make a connection and have a real talk, the veterans become interested in their VA health care, PTSD counseling, getting sober and coming back to the world,” Stoneman said. “Leo’s a big part of saving these veterans’ lives.”
Mo Jazi is a breaking news reporter with The Star. Reach him at mo.najafianJazi@vcstar.com or 805-437-0236.
Homelessness in Ventura County: