Connor, a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs recipient, was recently awarded Teacher of the Month at Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School. Connor was nominated by a student and was thrilled to receive this award. “I am extremely honored to be nominated by a student. Furthermore, I am extremely proud to represent Springdale. None of this would be possible without the countless educators and mentors who had a major impact in molding me into the teacher I am today,” said Connor. In addition to his gratitude for his educators and mentors, Connor is also grateful for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs for pairing him with his service dog Bradley.
Connor works as a high school teacher with his service dog Bradley, teaching 10th-grade U.S. history and Political Science “Government” to his students.
Connor’s Life Before Being Paired and Teaching
At a young age, Connor made the decision to join the Army before graduating high school. He started his military journey in Ft. Benning, Georgia, which is now known as Ft. Moore, where he underwent basic training and OSUT (One Station Unit Training) to become an 11Bravo (Infantryman).
Once he completed basic training, Connor was assigned to the 4th Brigade 2nd Infantry Division in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He then joined the 2nd Battalion 23rd infantry regiment, serving as a SAW gunner “Automatic Rifleman” for most of his career. In 2012, he deployed to Afghanistan and returned to the United States in 2013.
Unfortunately, after leaving the Army, Connor began experiencing Gran Mal seizures. However, he found solace and support in his service dog, Bradley. Connor shared, “Bradley has and continues to provide me with the confidence that I am never alone should I have a seizure. I can’t count the number of times I’ve awoken distorted from just having a seizure, and he’s looking into my eyes. I know, though, that I am never alone and haven’t been since being paired.”
How Connor Found Teaching
After his career in Afghanistan, Connor was led to the field of education. Connor became a graduate of the Duquesne University School of Education, where he was able to not only teach high schoolers about history or government but also serve as a resource for students who have family members who experience seizures.
Connor’s service dog, Bradley, is part of his classroom as a casual observer, and he has been welcomed by the district with open arms. “Bradley is my seizure shield. It’s hard to imagine going to work without him. I’m extremely fortunate to have him by my side,” said Connor.
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Mrs. Borden’s expertise and accomplishments are acknowledged by numerous national awards from various industries and agencies including the 2018 Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year and multiple awards for her organization’s work in mental health and suicide prevention.
She is frequently requested as a Keynote Speaker, and as an Industry Consultant to teach service dog laws to judicial systems, attorneys, and businesses, and to assist in service dog bills in multiple states that were passed into law. In 2020, she started an Institute for Higher Learning and the Borden Veterinary Hospital. Additionally, she has written and teaches college-accredited/VA-approved apprenticeship courses on dog training and service dog training.
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