Service Dog Is A Symbol Of Hope After Boston Bombings
In an instant, countless lives were changed forever. The Boston Marathon bombings left a country in shock, and sixteen people lost limbs in the explosion. Two of those people were newlyweds Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, who each lost a leg in the bombing.
Jessica and Patrick's injuries were among the most severe of the bombing victims, and Jessica was even faced with the possibility of double amputation. Although she opted to keep her leg, she still suffers from debilitating pain as a result of the lingering injuries.
Their emotional and physical trauma from the bombings may be permanent, but the one guiding light in their lives is their new service dog, "Rescue."
Rescue is able to pick up keys and other items for the couple, as well as push elevator buttons and other tasks that can make everyday life challenging as they recover from their extensive surgeries.
But beyond that, Rescue provides a constant source of joy in Jessica and Patrick's lives. He keeps the couple active and on the go, and Jessica even noticed that Rescue's presence in their home made it possible for her to finally sleep through the night again.
Jessica and Patrick's lives will never be the same after the devastating bombings, but it's amazing what a beautiful impact the presence of a service dog can have to make their lives just a little bit brighter every day.
My thoughts go out to all the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings and their families, and I'm thankful that this year's marathon was a safe and wonderful success.
