Gulfport Veteran & Service Dog Honored by VFW for #StillServing

Gulfport veteran Michael Bowin and his service dog Doc's dedication to country and community has earned them recognition in the national Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing campaign. The campaign honors veterans (and their canine companions) who continue to serve in their community after active duty.

A 21-year U.S. Navy veteran Bowin, like many veterans, continued to feel the call to serve after retiring from the military. He and his service dog Doc, a black English Lab who is also a registered therapy dog, together bring smiles and a calming presence to patients at the Biloxi VA Medical Center blind rehabilitation and mental health centers, a local hospital and various assisted living residents. Because of visitor restrictions at many facilities, the duo recently started visiting alternate locations and audiences including a local behavioral health center, community senior center, Air Force trainees and any other requests they receive.

Bowin is grateful for the improvement Doc has made in his life, both as his faithful service dog who detects and responds to his needs and as a trained therapy dog for others. Because of Doc, he can give back in a very tangible way, bringing joy into the lives of the lonely, infirm and hurting saying, “Service is a way of life for both of us.”

Bowin and Doc’s dedicated service to country and community led them to be chosen as VFW #StillServing Heroes. VFW invites veterans to share their stories at vfw.org/stillserving.