Home » City of Cocoa Councilman Tyler Furbish Asks Public To Vote For K-9 Hero

City of Cocoa Councilman Tyler Furbish Asks Public To Vote For K-9 Hero

By  //  March 25, 2016

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American Humane Society’s Hero Dog Award

Captain is a certified PTSD service dog, who lives with friends of mine Brian and Natalie Vines, in Kissimmee. I have personally met the dog a few times, and he is fantastic. He has, in fact, saved the life of his mistress, Natalie. He's now in a competition for hero dog. (Cocoa Police image)
Captain is a certified PTSD service dog, who lives with Brian and Natalie Vines, in Kissimmee. He has saved the life of his mistress, Natalie. He’s now in a competition for hero dog. (Cocoa Police image)

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Captain is a certified PTSD service dog who lives with my friends Brian and Natalie Vines from Kissimmee, Florida. I have personally met the dog a few times and he is fantastic. He has, in fact, saved the life of his mistress, Natalie. He’s now in a competition for hero dog.

Natalie’s Service Dog “Captain” to receive the American Humane Society’s Hero Dog Award for 2016.

Natalie Vines was twice injured in Iraq and medically retired from the Army in 2013. Captain was provided by Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs to aid her in coping with severe PTSD and seizure detection.

Captain has saved her life many times by calming her when her PTSD anxiety and depression levels reached the point of suicidal ideations. However, Captain is being nominated for a specific incident which saved Natalie’s life.

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On April 2, 2015, Natalie had surgery. After post op, she was in the recovery room alone with Captain laying quietly by her side. According to the nurse, Captain got her attention by barking. She knew he never barked, so she instantly knew something was wrong.

HeroDog-logo
The 2016 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards is an annual campaign that recognizes heroes on both ends of the leash. Eight lucky finalists and their human companions will be flown to Hollywood for a star-studded awards gala, which will be broadcast nationwide on Hallmark Channel later this fall. Of all the courageous canines, one dog will be awarded the grand prize American Hero Dog title. In order to cultivate the next generation of hero dogs, American Humane Association will donate $2,500 to each of the eight finalist’s charity partners, and the American Hero Dog will win an additional $5,000 for their charity partner.

Upon examination, Natalie’s oxygen levels had fallen dangerously low, she had acidosis, and aspiration pneumonia. She was immediately sent to the ICU. If Captain had not notified the hospital staff, Natalie could have perished. Natalie calls Captain her hero and my Guardian Angel.

Winners of the Hero Dog Award will be selected by three rounds of public voting.

In order to cultivate the next generation of hero dogs, American Humane Association will donate $2,500 to each of the eight finalist’s charity partners, and the American Hero Dog will win an additional $5,000 for their charity partner.

Our charity partner is Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR CAPTAIN

Captain is a certified PTSD service dog, who lives with Brian and Natalie Vines in Kissimmee, Florida. He saved the life of his mistress Natalie and now in a competition for hero dog. (Cocoa Police image)
Captain is a certified PTSD service dog, who lives with Brian and Natalie Vines in Kissimmee, Florida. He saved the life of his mistress Natalie and now in a competition for hero dog. (Cocoa Police image)