November 11, 2022

MARCUS LUTTRELL and RANGER

Decorated Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell makes his mark as a motivational speaker, a best selling author, and podcaster.  Marcus' legend began during Operation Red Wing in June 2005, during a covert mission that tragically took the lives of nine brother SEALS and 16 others sent to rescue his group from a gunfire ambush by the Taliban in Afghanistan.  Alone, wounded, and near death, Marcus' miraculous story of perseverance lives on in the world-renowned book and film "Lone Survivor."  This American hero recovered physically, but the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress (PTSD) linger.

There's is nothing like the skilled, affectionate, and healing magic of a dog.  In 2008, Marcus was paired with a service dog Rigby, who provided respite from the persistent emotional fallout of PTSD until his passing in 2021.  Now, Marcus enjoys the company of another perfect match ~ emotional support dog Ranger.  Full of eager energy and affection, Ranger offers his companionship and unconditional love.

Ranger adores people and other dogs and can't get enough time outside in nature.  Empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of those around him, he intuitively responds to his handler's needs.  With Ranger by his side, Marcus serves as a role model for other veterans, reaching out and inspiring others all around the world.

Ranger was raised by Isabel Adamus.


In October 2020, Ranger was received by my granddaughter, Isabel from Southeastern Guide Dogs in Florida, a young Labrador pup at the time.  He would live with her, and her family for one year.  Her responsibility was to train and socialize him, to have him as her companion 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  He needed to be with her for all her activities.  He would live with her family, which included two active and energetic Samoyeds.  And she would take him out in environments where he would interact with other people, animals and situations, all while she was in her third year of college.  



In October 2021, Ranger was returned to Southeastern Guide Dogs, where he received additional training.  We are certainly proud of Ranger, and I am proud of my granddaughter having taken on this important task.  All manner of support dogs, and other support animals provide valuable service to so many.

Today, though, most importantly, we recognize the valuable service of our many Veterans, not just here in the United States, but also in Canada and the United Kingdom as they observe Remembrance Day.  This day honors our soldiers of all time, those no longer with us, those who serve now, and those who are here at home, perhaps recovering. And those who may be waiting for the call to serve.  It is because of them that we have what we have ~ it is called democracy and freedom, may it last.

 


39 comments:

  1. all the best to this wonderful people... what a wonderful tribute...

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  2. What a moving and tearful story but how marvelous, your granddaughter, to train such a brilliant doggy who helped this brave man heal. Thank you for this story. Mama uses the Navy Seals breathing to help her go to sleep or keep calm in stressful moments. Thank you, Navy Seals. IT WORKS.

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  3. What a wonderful thing for Isabel to do, you must be so very proud of her. Thank you for sharing the story of Marcus Luttrell and Rigby and Ranger the dogs that help him deal with PTSD.

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  4. A wonderful, heartwarming and important post - these special people and special dogs change lives - bless them all for the work they do. There's a special place in heaven for them and the guide dogs they have trained, as well as those who are benefited by these dogs as emotional support for as long as it is needed. Thank you for sharing.

    Hugs, Pam and Teddy

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  5. That was a selfless and good thing your granddaughter did. It was a service and a loving one.

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  6. Our veterans give so much for our safety and freedom And so do the companion dogs and the service dogs. I appreciate the story shared here this day, Veterans Day, which should be remembered year round.

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  7. Ann, this is such a beautiful post, I'm teary-eyed from reading it. Your granddaughter is a very special person, and Ranger (all all other support companions) a very special dog.

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  8. What a wonderful and heartwarming story and thank you, Isabel. We thank all of our Veterans for their huge sacrifices.

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  9. What a wonderful story! Our veterans are true heroes.

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  10. Two thumbs and 16 paws up to Isabelle! Hopefully she will continue to do this, but even if not, this must have been a wonderful, learning experience for her.

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  11. Your grandaughter was a blessing to the man who recieved Ranger and Ranger is a blessing to the veteran. This story both the Seal and your granddaughter, is perfect for calling attention to our veterans.

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  12. Wonderful to hear this, thanks for sharing.

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  13. What a wonderful story. You must be so proud of Isabel for all the work she did to get Ranger ready for his new job. We're grateful for all the veterans and active duty members that serve to keep us free.

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  14. An amazing heartwarming story. Isabelle provided a great service of her own and invaluable learning experience.

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  15. Wow! So proud of Ranger and your grand daughter ~ Awesome! ~ and to all our Veterans a great tribute ~ Xo

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  16. What a wonderful thing your granddaughter did! Kudos to her for laying a strong foundation for Ranger as he helps out his veteran. Well done!

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  17. We thank all Veterans for their service, two-footed or four-pawed/hooved!

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  18. What a beautiful story and Ann I know you are beaming with proud and admiration for Isabella's success story with Ranger. He certainly learned all about love, devotion and how to be a companion from day one.
    Are those who raise the pups allowed to visit them once they a placed in their furever home?
    Hugs cecilia

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  19. Apologies Isabel not Isabella....

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  20. There are not enough words to capture how pawesome this post and tail are!
    It takes some furry special humans !
    And Ranger is beyond lucky!

    H&K&W,
    Willow & Phyll

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  21. What a beautiful story, and such a strong and loving grand daughter you have to love and train Ranger in preparation for a life in service!!

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  22. What a wonderful story. Your granddaughter should be proud of her service to the guide dog organization. Hopefully, Ranger will provide excellent support and companionship to our veteran Marcus for many years.

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  23. Thank you Isabelle for being part of the service to the heroes that have served, and do serve us.
    What a special and wonderful post!
    Thank you veterans from the bottom of our hearts, fro all that you do and did to keep the freedoms we have as they should be.

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  24. What a wonderful heartwarming story and what an admirable thing for your granddaughter Isabel to do. It's so good that Ranger is such a help to Marcus.

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  25. Your granddaughter is a wonderful person. I wish Marcus and Ranger many happy years together. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt story.

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  26. Ranger is a wonderful dog and it is thanks to the devotion of your granddaughter. I wish Marcus and Ranger well.

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  27. best….post…..ever!

    THANK YOU Marcus and every veteran, your service is
    deeply appreciated

    and Isabel, as we say here in trout towne…total lee troo lee
    mega awesum

    and with 984 paws up, to all the service animals out there

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  28. That is really inspiring. Bless your Granddaughter for being able to train, and give up, a wonderful dog so he can go and help someone else.

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  29. Such an inspirational post. Thank you to Marcus for his service. And thank you to your very kind granddaughter for training Ranger. XO

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  30. That is a beautiful and heartwarming story and your granddaughter took on a big responsibility and has made such an impact for a true American hero!

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  31. Such a great story! My brother-in-law's parents used to take puppies for their first year of training as service dogs. They said it took a large amount of patience and energy for this, but they enjoyed every minute of it. Kudos to your grand daughter!

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  32. Oh Ann, this is beautiful. I often read about the service dogs being trained especially for Veterans but the scope of that training never really sunk in. Now it has! Your granddaughter is one very special young lady to take on that responsibility. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been to part with Ranger and send him on his way to live the life he was meant to live and trained for. A special congratulations to you for having such a wonderful granddaughter and a big thank you to your granddaughter for doing what she does. ♥♥♥♥♥♥

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  33. Your granddaughter is a beautiful, loving woman. That was a wonderful story with that unexpected twist. I hope Mr. Luttrell is doing OK today. Thanks to our vets.

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  34. What a beautiful story, all the way around. Thank you, thanks to your granddaughter for taking on such work, and much thanks to all our veterans!

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  35. What a heartwarming story, it brought tears to my eyes! Bless your granddaughter for the wonderful thing she did to help bring Ranger where he was needed. It can't be easy to give up a dog after spending a year so totally together. She must be an amazing young lady. ♥

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  36. What a commitment and labor of love.I never knew how intensive the training could be. Your granddaughter is a hero walking this earth. And yes, we honor our veterans. Bless her! She has a gift.

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