Everyday Hero Judy Bordignon has a love for four-legged friends. Bordignon is the founder and director of the nonprofit Sirius K-9 Service Dogs and Training Center in Seminole.
The idea for the organization started after she decided to train some puppies.
“Seven puppies later, I decided, without a doubt, that this was a passion that I felt deep down," Bordignon said. "And I went and studied to become a certified professional dog trainer."
Bordignon started the program in 2013 and the trained dogs help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, including military veterans.
Bordignon helps the future dog owners train their service animals.
“There’s a two-fold benefit there,” she said. “They’re participating in their own healings, so to speak, they’re participating in the very exercise that is going to help them obtain control over their independence in the future.”
Those dogs can be trained to help with different tasks, including mobility and emotional support.
Pam Kelly served in the U.S. Army for 16 years until a training accident left her a quadriplegic. Her 5-week-old puppy will someday help her with turning on and off lights, opening and closing doors and much more.
“Knowing that a dog could help me do all those things that I can’t physically do myself, it’ll just be amazing," Kelly said. "And, I’m sure it will change my life."