Pit Bull Therapy Helping Veterans
This video is no longer available.
HUMBOLDT, Tenn- A West Tennessee pit bull owner and trainer, is using his dogs to serve those who served. Tim Curry takes his pit bull, Titan, to visit veterans who live at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt and others throughout Gibson and Madison Counties. “They’re friendly and they’re loving; and a pleasure to be around,” said Calvin Leeds, a Vietnam veteran. “This is my way of giving back,” said Curry, who is part of the West Tennesee Masonic Services Association. For years, the group has provided services to Veterans. After losing his job due to a medical issue, Curry began taking his dogs around to visit residents in nursing homes. “A lot of people who usually don’t even talk, show emotion and will start reaching for the animals,” said Melissa Taylor, an assistant occupational therapist at the Tennessee State Veterans Home. Before Titan, there was Rocky, a 90-pound pit bull that visited the Veterans home until he died suddenly in February. ‘It didn’t take Rocky but 30 or 40 minutes to win everyone over,” said Curry. Besides emotional therapy, Curry said Rocky also helped the residents with their strength training exercises; but he said visiting the homes benefits everyone. “The tradeoff is you’ll get to hear some great stories and you’ll make some really good friends,” said Curry.
