Dustin and Service Dog Honors

Dustin serves with the U.S. Marine Corps and was injured during his first combat tour to Afghanistan in 2009 when an Improvised Explosive Device hit his convoy. As a result of the blast, Dustin suffers from severe Traumatic Brain Injury and has seizures.
In August 2011 Dustin was successfully paired with a dog named Honors.

Honors is helps Dustin by alerting him and others to oncoming seizures. Honors also assists him with his severe balancing problems. To the general public his balancing problems make it appear as though he might be inebriated. Because of this common confusion, he carries proof of his balancing injury if ever police inquire about public drunkenness. Honors helps him maintain his balance though and protects Dustin from falling – particularly when encountering any inclines or declines such as stairs.

Honors also assists Dustin by protecting him from unseen hazards such as when he crosses a busy street without looking or walking into a dangerous situation.

“Thank you for everything that you have done for me and other service members like me. It really means a lot to me,” said Dustin.