After working for 19 years as a biologist for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bill Campbell decided to re-enlist. He'd previously served as an executive officer in the national guard for almost a decade, but he was willing to take the rank and pay cut if it meant he could serve his country again.
Between 2004 and 2005, Campbell was stationed in Iraq, where he helped manage security at a Forward Operating Base. His station was hit by numerous blasts over the year, and he'd suffered two concussions. One blast left him with shrapnel all too close to an irreparable part of his brain.
While, to the naked eye, Campbell looks all right today, the military has classified him as 100 percent disabled. He suffers from PTSD and memory loss, and he has a crippling fear of crowds.
One of the very few things that can help a war veteran with severe brain trauma like this? A service dog, of course.
When Campbell received Pax, his whole life turned around. Having that companionship and comfort from this sweet dog made it possible for him to move through civilian life again. But before Pax changed Campbell's life, he was a gift in another person's life.
Laurie is an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, just a ways north of New York City. Pax was under her care and training as a pup.
When Bill Campbell brings Pax back to the facility, the reunion is unlike any other I've seen. Just listen to what this pup's trainer says about him…
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