The Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW) recently named Marvel its hero of the week. Marvel was trained by the women at NCCW and later by men at another facility. The dog’s training paid off in a big way as he provided life-saving assistance to his new owner, Josef. Josef suffered a grand mal seizure while outside at school. He fell face down in the snow where there was limited visibility and couldn’t be seen by others. Marvel nudged Josef’s face to the side, opening his airway allowing him to breathe and then paced in circles while barking, drawing the other students’ attention. Two students came to Josef’s aid and called 911.

Marvel started his journey to becoming a service dog at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW).  At NCCW, several women work as dog handlers for puppies brought in through Domesti-PUPS.  The handlers provide 24-hour care and training for the dogs. Marvel completed his time at NCCW, went on to a puppy raiser for a year and then returned to another NDCS facility where the handler there taught him how to be a seizure service dog.  After successfully completing his training, Marvel was paired with Josef.

Service dogs are such an important part of people's lives who live with a variety of challenges. Dogs like Marvel make it possible for their owners to lead happy and safe lives. Congratulations to Marvel on a job well done!