Wounded Vet Inspires Support for Canines

Decorated Iraq veteran Capt. James Van Thach and his companion Liz, a yellow labrador, were honored guests at a fundraiser for Van Thach, who was wounded in a rocket attack, posed for photos and signed autographs for admirers young and old.

Another veteran, Fran Perlmutter, who was an Army code-breaker in World War II, was so moved by Van Thach's story that she came to meet him in person. Though separated by several wars and a few generations, Van Thach and Perlmutter discussed their own experiences in war and posed for pictures together with Liz.

Liz came to Van Thuch through Canine Companions for Independence, the largest non-profit provider of trained assistance dogs for disabled persons of all ages. There is no charge for a companion nor their training and follow-up services.