The bond between a dog and their human is one-of-a-kind, and Birdie, a two-and-a-half-year-old yellow Labrador from Hero Dogs, is the perfect example.
As a member of the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, and Loudoun County, VA Local 3756 teams, Birdie provides comfort and support to members coping with stress and trauma.
In February, a natural gas explosion in Loudoun County left one fire fighter critically injured, two others airlifted to a burn unit, and nearly a dozen more were hurt. “There was a peer support mission the following week to check on all our members after the tragic loss of fire fighter Trevor Brown,” said Local 3756 President John Myers.
In response, Myers and his team reached out to the IAFF for assistance. With support from 4th District Vice President Andrew Pantelis and others, over 30 peer support members and 22 K-9 teams from Maryland and Virginia joined the mission.
“The presence of the dogs had a noticeable impact,” Myers said. “Some people who were initially closed off started opening up, and it was clear the dogs helped create a non-judgmental interaction. The dogs weren’t there to talk; they just offered comfort. Whether it was through pressure therapy, leaning against a person, or sitting quietly by their side, providing that serotonin release, it made a huge difference.”
Some people who were initially closed off started opening up, and it was clear the dogs helped create a non-judgmental interaction. The dogs weren’t there to talk; they just offered comfort.
Local 3756 President John Myers
Following this, Hero Dogs reached out to offer a facility dog. With the approval of a new collective bargaining agreement, Myers applied and became the dog’s handler, and owner after a six-month training period.
“Birdie was trained to alert to stress cues, provide grounding support, and perform tasks like ‘stop, drop, and roll,’” said Sabrina Zambito, trainer and facility dog coordinator for Hero Dogs. “He’s a sweet dog who loves getting to cuddle with the personnel with Loudoun County Fire. Birdie and John make a good team.”
Myers says Birdie has been a vital source of support for Local 3756 members. Just days after receiving Birdie, Myers took him to the IAFF Convention in Boston.
“I had only had Birdie for a day or two when I took him up to Boston with me,” Myers said. “We had just finished three days of training, and then we flew out for the convention. Birdie was a great companion at the meetings. He was calm and well-behaved, sitting next to people, providing comfort, and just being there.”
For Myers, Birdie is more than a companion; he’s a part of the team.
“He’s not just a pet, he’s a constant source of support, and having him by my side makes a world of difference, especially during the tougher days,” said Myers. “The comfort he provides is immeasurable.”
For more information about Birdie’s journey and the Hero Dogs program, visit Hero Dogs, Inc.
