Despite medications to combat anxiety and a rapid heartbeat, Lon Hodge felt foggy and could not leave his home for months at a time. The military veteran, who served as a medical corps instructor and clinician in the Army from 1973 to 1981, had been diagnosed with PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition he developed after sustaining several non-life-threatening injuries in the line of duty.
One day watching TV, he happened upon a special about service dogs and wanted to learn more.
The veteran contacted Freedom Service Dogs in Denver, a nonprofit organization that trains rescue dogs to work with veterans, children, and other individuals who need help to live independently. It was determined he could benefit from having a service dog and was matched with a Labradoodle named Gander.
He met Gander and the pair soon developed a close bond. Then, a new service mission came into view for Hodge: helping other veterans like him understand the healing power of a dog’s unconditional love.
Veteran Lon Hodge and his service dog Gander shared a close bond. Photo courtesy Lon Hodge
One Step (and Paw) at a Time
Because of his PTSD, Hodge was apprehensive to be in public, but he knew he was better with Gander by his side. Hodge noticed his heart rate dropping and his anxiety and suicidal thoughts abating. Gander worked his magic as Lon’s service dog and best friend.
Like every dynamic duo, sooner or later, the general public takes notice. As Hodge traveled around town and ran errands with his furry warrior, people continually asked if Gander was a “real service dog” because he was so friendly and outgoing yet in total devotion and service to his owner.
Over and over, Hodge would inform and educate, explaining what a service dog does and how one differs from an emotional support animal.
Eventually, Hodge formed Operation Fetch, a nonprofit that travels the country promoting awareness and education about service dogs, invisible disabilities, PTSD, and veteran suicide.
Some of the services (Hodge calls them “planned acts of community kindness”) Operation Fetch provides include reuniting soldiers with their war dog buddies, playing TAPS at cemeteries across the country, helping guide trauma survivors to long-term assistance, and speaking engagements and seminars at hospitals and schools.
When I met the duo at a pet blogger’s conference in 2015, they were in the midst of a 21-state tour over the course of 21 days.
Whenever he became stressed, Hodge remembers Gander would get “right in his face” and calm him down. Hodge said people told him frequently that he didn’t look like he needed a dog. His response is classic.
“It’s because I have a dog,” he would say.
Gander proudly poses for a photo. Photo courtesy Lon Hodge
An Enduring Legacy of Love
The sad reality of being a pet parent or service dog owner is that humans will outlive their dogs in most cases. Gander passed away in 2020 but left behind a legacy of love and inspiration. He was a finalist for the title of American Hero Dog and the first mixed breed dog to win the American Kennel Club’s Award for Canine Excellence.
Gander’s giving spirit lives on in the form of a Labradoodle named Mae—Hodge’s new service dog, the last puppy of her litter, and the one no one wanted.
Hodge admits he wasn’t ready to fall in love with her, but knew she was meant to be his. He trained Mae himself to follow in Gander’s paw prints, and the two continue with Operation Fetch and travel the country to help those in need.
Yet the duo’s journey took a frightening turn that rocked Hodge’s world in recent weeks.
Mae is Hodge’s current service dog. Photo courtesy Lon Hodge
A Bump in the Road, but a Soft Landing
Hodge and Mae spend all of their time traveling the country in service to others. In February, Hodge woke up ready to hit the road en route from Topeka, Kansas to Alabama.
Hodge was making trips loading supplies and equipment from his hotel room into the van. When he returned to the van after one, he couldn’t find the van anywhere.
“All the doors were open, the car keys were on the dash and he must’ve waited until I went inside, slowly closed all the doors, and then just drove it off,” he said.
The van contained everything to Hodge’s name—his belongings, supplies, charity items, and even Gander’s ashes. Authorities got involved, and news of his plight made local headlines. Eventually, the 2014 Ford Transit Van was recovered, but everything was gone, except for one item: Gander’s box filled with ashes.
“I have a feeling that whoever did it might be a little superstitious,” he surmised.
Then, miraculously, a Good Samaritan paid Hodge’s service forward with an anonymous gift of a 2020 Chrysler van so that Hodge and Mae can continue on their journey of selflessness and goodwill.
Lon Hodge with his beloved service dog, Gander. Photo courtesy Lon Hodge
A Hero’s Journey
Hodge and Mae continue their mission and Operation Fetch with big plans ahead. Hodge wants to do another TAPS tour by stopping at veterans’ cemeteries across the country to play the sacred military song, something he’s done before.
“I want to do a tour of the country and let people know how cool America is,” he shared. “Meet people, take photos, and give back.”
I asked Lon to describe himself, something that he has a tough time doing.
“I’m a homeless vet doing what I can for other people,” he deduced. “I love to teach, write, and speak.”
And it’s all thanks to the love of a special dog named Gander.
You can follow Hodge’s adventures with Mae by visiting their Facebook page, Gander: Service Dog, or their Operation Fetch website.
