A Flagler County deputy and a Air Force veteran now have service dogs to help them navigate life much easier.

  • Paws of War program helped train dogs
  • Flagler County deputy and Air Force veteran got service dogs
  • Pet Peeves Dog Training Florida trained the dogs

Stephen Watkins and George Gonzalez were escorted by a motorcade and greeted by supporters ready to see them unite with their service dogs.

"It means everything to me, with her being able to go everywhere with me. It's always having a companion by my side," said Watkins.

Thanks to the Paws of War program and a dedicated trainer, the two are getting the help they need.

Six months ago Watkins worked as a correctional officer. He got a staph infection in his spine that paralyzed him from the chest down.

Now his own dog Mia, which he got from a rescue four years ago, has been trained to meet his every need.

"Just making things easier for me like getting in the refrigerator, turning lights on, and if I fall out of my wheelchair, she's someone I can lean on until someone can help me get back into the wheelchair," said Watkins.

Gonzalez, U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, experiences horrible nightmares from war. Now his service dog Sullivan, also known as Sully, will help him when those nightmares occur.

He flew from Missouri to pick up "Sully" in Flagler Beach Wednesday.

"I hope that he keeps me calm during those high stress periods with large groups of people. He'll be next to me and kind of give that ease of mind," said Gonzalez.

The dogs were trained by Pet Peeves Dog Training Florida in Palm Coast. The dogs are put through a series of tests and they are trained for seven months to a year to prepare to assist their owners.

Watkins' father said the service dogs remind them to be their best.

"The service dog Mia just helps him knowing that and be able to do it and that he can continue on and be the great kid he is," said Gary Watkins.

As for Watkins, he said his determination and the strength he's gaining with Mia's help will help him reach his ultimate goal.

"It doesn't matter what anybody says, what any doctor said, I honestly in my mind, I feel like I will walk again," said Watkins.