At a VA appointment, Craig’s doctor recommended a Service Dog to treat his disabilities. After going through the application process, Craig was paired with his medical service dog Foxy in May of 2020.
Foxy was trained by Guardian Angels to assist Craig with health issues that occurred while serving in the Marine Corp. Foxy was named the Service Dog Hero of the Year by Guardian Angels in 2022.
About Craig
Craig was born in Massachusetts and joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17. He served in the military for 21 years and obtained the rank of Master Sergeant.
During his service, Craig trained with elite Marine Corps units, including 2nd Recon BN, 2nd ANGLICO, 2nd Force Recon Co, and 3rd Recon BN. During his service, Craig traveled throughout the world in many operations and deployments and is a veteran of the Gulf War.
How Foxy Helps Craig Daily
During Foxy’s two years at Guardian Angels, she was extensively trained to assist Craig in several ways, including mitigating the challenges of PTS by shielding, grounding from panic or anxiety attacks and flashbacks, and waking from nightmares. Foxy also assists Craig with mobility and balance issues, alerts prior to seizures, and also alerts for help when needed.
Foxy has assisted Craig through multiple events. In September of 2021, Foxy repeatedly licked Craig and jumped on his chest to wake him during a fire in his building so they could exit safely. At the time, Craig was taking deep sleep medication that prevented him from hearing the fire alarm on his own. Although Foxy was never trained to alert to a fire, she was able to wake Craig, and help him get to safety. Foxy has also alerted Craig to internal bleeding and helped him get home safely during an episode of severe vertigo.
With the help of Foxy, Craig has gone from living in isolation, only going to work; to now venturing out to stores and speaking publicly at multiple events about his experience. Craig feels that he now has a purpose in life because of Foxy.
Learn More About Our Recipients
To learn more about our other recipients, check out Our Recipients page!
Mary Jo has an extensive history working with the media as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. Mary Jo has worked for companies such as Gannett, News Bank Inc., E.W. Scripps Company, Lee Enterprises, Pulitzer, Inc., Arthur Andersen, and has been involved with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. since 2011. Ms. Brandt has had many hours of training in leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Her teams have consistently been highly effective in support of organizational mission and goals. She has one son, Paul who is currently in the Navy, and a daughter, Amanda in college and working full-time for a law firm in Naples. Ms. Brandt began volunteering with Guardian Angels after both her father and previous employer received a Guardian Angels Service Dog in 2011. Seeing the incredible difference service dogs could make in the lives of their recipients, she became involved through volunteering her time & talent to Guardian Angels. Ms. Brandt was then asked to join the Board of Directors and has served as a Board Member since 2013. Recently, Mary Jo has been named as a 2021 Patriot Scholarship recipient from Colorado Technical University. When asked why this scholarship and completing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration was so important to her, she responded, “This scholarship represents how important education is to our military/veterans and their families. I am honored to be part of this unique community. I am already in a career that demonstrates my commitment to helping others, I expect finishing this degree will allow me to be much more effective in my pursuit of working with our Veterans. This scholarship isn’t just about me. It is about how I can help others.” Today we face an even bigger challenge that none of us saw coming during the midst of the pandemic and worldwide economic collapse beginning to unfold. Yet again, Mary Jo is stepping up to the plate to be sure that our organization continues to serve those that need us, as we triumph in the face of untold adversity of today’s world. Businesses will only survive these difficult times because of leaders like Mary Jo.
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