Local Veteran & Service Dog in Training Honored for #StillServing

Philadephia resident Colin Ratner and his service dog in training, Hero, are being recognized in the national Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing campaign honoring veterans who continue to serve after the military. In conjunction with National Service Dog Month, the campaign this month focuses on veterans who #StillServe alongside their canine companions.

Ratner, who served 15 years in the Army National Guard including a deployment to Afghanistan, wanted to do something to give back when the pandemic hit. He wanted to teach his children to give back in a tangible way and the joy of truly making a difference, so they decided to raise a puppy for the Guide Dog Foundation’s America’s VetDogs program. The program provides guide dogs for disabled veterans who need assistance with eyesight, hearing, mobility or emotional support.

The family took in Hero, an eight-week-old black Labrador pup, and has spent the past year caring for, teaching and socializing him. In a few months when Hero turns 14 months old, Ratner and his family will have to return Hero to the foundation where he will complete formal training and begin his life-changing career.

Ratner shared that raising Hero has been an inspirational experience for his family and something they will always cherish. While they will miss Hero terribly, they are happy to have helped a veteran in need.

VFW invites all veterans to share how they are continuing their service at vfw.org/stillserving.