The Adventures of Eddy & Hazel
It is with a saddened heart that Eddy is no longer with us. His service to the troops will be missed by so many. We honor the life he gave back to those in need and his memory will live on.
Please keep Hazel in your prayers as she struggles through health issues as well.
History of the Patriotic Pups:
Founder Annie Nelson’s 2 Rhodesian Ridgeback pups traveled with Ms. Nelson. Their keen nonverbal communication with our veterans, wounded warriors and with our troops brought a comfort that was beyond words. Their work in schools instilled patriotism, raising awareness of the animals that serve and their message that “Freedom Isn’t Free” was captavating for our nations youth!
“Eddie and Hazel are a remarkable pair. Tipping the scales at over 100 pounds each, and still prone to frequent bouts of sheer puppy rambunctiousness and mischief, they have an amazing sense of who it is they are with and what their roles at that moment are. When they are surrounded by children, our wounded, and veterans of all ages, they have a calmness, a gentleness, that tells you everything is going to be ok. They speak volumes to these people, whether it is in a classroom teaching children about our soldiers, a hospital soothing the ravaged souls of our returning warriors with post-traumatic stress disorder, lifting the spirits of the wounded and letting them know they are loved and appreciated, or just visiting to bring a smile to our veterans. These two have brought hope where people thought there was none to be found. Eddie and Hazel non-verbally say what we all want to say so much more efficiently and effectively than humans ever could.”
Kristian Krause, DVM
Diplomat, ABVP, Board-Certified in Feline Medicine and Surgery
Serrano Animal and Bird Hospital
We created a series for network television ” AMERICAN HEROES” a segment titled “THE ADVENTURES OF EDDY & HAZEL” that mounted web cameras on Eddy & Hazel to show America’s children how to not be afraid of people with visible disabilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, shelters etc. It helped engage the youth in Patriotism, appreciation of our veterans and returning military members. The interactions/adventures of Eddy & Hazel encouraged youth to get involved in community service projects supporting our nations veterans and troops! Also, Eddy and Hazel raised awareness to the many other dogs who served in the military, search & rescue, police dogs as well as other animals serving such as the dolphins serving with our EOD. (Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal )
*** It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Eddy to cancer in January of 2019. He was 10.5 years old. He died at home with a group of loving friends and his vet team bye his side in the arms of Annie. ***