Military veteran Brian had been working as a paralegal when a stroke derailed his career. He was out of work for 14 years before he was referred to Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU). Candace Gallo, Career Resource Specialist on the Palm Beach team, has supported Brian since the fall of 2022. “He went through a long process of rehabilitation to get him where he needs to be,” says Candace. “Brian goes two days each week to the V.A. hospital in Palm Beach for physical therapy and occupational therapy. He utilizes a wheelchair to get around and has use of one arm and hand and most of one leg, which limits his abilities, but he was ready to get out of the house.” At first, Brian was withdrawn while interacting with Candace, who recalls, “He was very hard to reach in the beginning, both literally and figuratively.” However, Candace was determined to help Brian find a job that fit his needs. She and Brian’s Vocational Rehabilitation counselor – who is a veteran herself – took a tough love approach to encourage Brian’s participation in the job search process. “We told him, ‘We are going to do this together or not do it at all,’ and he engaged.”
As Brian began to open up to Candace, he shared that he loves dogs, so Candace set up an on-the-job training (OJT) opportunity for him as a greeter at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee, Florida. Since 2008, Big Dog Ranch Rescue has saved nearly 60,000 dogs from all over the world. Brian was in charge of welcoming visitors to the adoption center. About two months into Brian’s six-month OJT, however, a new and exciting opportunity presented itself. The rescue has a Veteran Service Dog Training Program, where trainers prepare rescue dogs that are specially selected to become service dogs for military veterans. One day, Candace and Brian went to check out the rescue’s service dog Training Lodge and inquire about Brian potentially getting a service dog of his own. When they spoke with the director, Evan, they learned that the dogs needed to be trained to work with people who use wheelchairs. Brian successfully interviewed for the role. His job was changed from greeter to animal handler for the remainder of his OJT, and then he was officially hired by Big Dog Ranch Rescue! 
The two days Brian spends at the Training Lodge are his favorite part of the week. Each shift, he helps the dogs get comfortable walking alongside his wheelchair while obeying commands. Volunteers are on hand to assist him. Explains Candace, “Someone will bring the dog to him and tie the dog’s leash to the arm of his wheelchair, let him out of the building to walk the dog, then let him back in, and then put the dog away and get him a new dog.” Brian gets to work with a vast array of dogs, from typical breeds like Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers, to a large Chihuahua mix named after Suits TV character Harvey Specter. He especially loves working with his favorite trainee, Luna, one of the first dogs he started training at the rescue. “He doesn’t even have to command Luna anymore,” says Candace. “She watches his hand, so when he hits the button to go forward in the wheelchair, she goes, and when he stops the button, she sits. If he pushes his hand, she lays down.” The dogs’ training in the facility comprises 75% of their service animal training, but the remaining 25% is done in the home. While Brian would love to have his own service dog, he lives alone, which makes it tricky to care full-time for a dog himself, so he cherishes his time with the animals at Big Dog Ranch Rescue.
Being supported by WOU and working with his beloved dogs have had a positive impact on Brian. For example, Brian did not wish to meet with his Vocational Rehabilitation counselor and sign his paperwork in person, so it was signed in absentia for him. Now, Candace says, “He signs all his own forms. Even on the computer when he has to use the mouse to sign, it takes him a long time but he insists on doing it himself. It’s pretty cool.” Brian used to rely on Candace to arrange transportation on his behalf, but now he handles it and tracks the bus route independently. He also gets to connect socially with other veterans who work and volunteer at Big Dog Ranch Rescue. In addition, Brian frequently texts photos to his parents, who live in NY state. They are amazed at the improved outlook they see in their son since he began his job, and Candace agrees: “I would say he is night and day from when I first met him.” We are thrilled for you, Brian!
