El the husky is 14 years old and Nestor Lujan has been with him for all 14 years.
El and Lujan sat eating together in the Volunteers of America veterans services center Saturday. El had just finished a free checkup in which Colorado State University veterinarian students gave him his shots and checked his heart, eyes, ears and mouth. He had a clean bill of health — a relief to Lujan, who is homeless.
“It means a lot to me,” Lujan said, pausing as he got emotional. “To know that he’s well helps.”
Lujan, who served in the Army, was one of the people being assisted at the second annual Ainsley Price Day of Service for Veterans, during which veterans can bring in their dogs for free checkups and microchip implants, receive their own heart evaluation and leave with a bag full of bowls, leashes and toys for their pups. Although last year’s event was only for homeless veterans, this year the program was open to all veterans.
“This program is a way of recognizing and appreciating the service of these veterans and the relationship with their pets,” the event’s originator, Aubrey Lavizzo, said. “Sometimes that’s all they’ve got.”
Lavizzo, a veterinarian who owns the Center for Animal Wellness, said dogs often serve as emotional support for veterans. This is especially true for those experiencing homelessness, he said, telling the story of a veteran from last year who chose to stay on the streets instead of taking housing that wouldn’t let him keep his dog.
“The greatest thing about this program is to most of these people we can say, ‘Your dog is fine,'” he said. “And most people have never heard that.”
CSU veterinarians and Bel-Rea Veterinary Technician Training students performed the checkups. Lavizzo said this is a good opportunity for students to learn how to work with people and to meet the veteran community.
The event is named in honor of Ainsley Price, a girl who loved helping people and animals. The first event was held just a few months after Price died by suicide at age 20. Another free checkup day is scheduled for Nov. 4 in honor of Veterans Day.