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Army veteran, service dog on ‘mission of advocacy’

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Whether it was the morning presentation to the children or the evening discussion for adults, everyone present for former Capt. Luis Carlos Montalván’s talk came away with at least one fact: This man and dog obviously love each other.

A New York Times best-selling author, Montalván was in town to promote his two books — and other issues.

“Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him” is the story of how he came to be united with his service dog, Tuesday.

His second book, “Tuesday Tucks Me In,” was written with children in mind. Full of fun photos, the book describes the many ways he and his dog work together.

As Montalván talked, Tuesday lay calmly at his feet. Each presentation ended with a brief demonstration of the many ways the dog helps him, from picking up dropped items on command to bracing him as he takes stairs.

Due to war injuries, Montalván deals with spinal problems and vertigo.

But perhaps just as important as the physical ways in which the dog assists him is the emotional support the dog offers.

“We’ve been together nearly 24 hours a day for the past six years,” he said.

He discussed his issues with nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety, and described, citing examples, how Tuesday kept him calm and helped him deal with his fears.

“I never thought I’d be in a better place, and I am much better,” he said.

Part of what makes the story so interesting is that the retriever also suffers from trauma and needs emotional support from Montalván.

The Ramona Library Community Room, where Montalván spoke, was nearly full for both discussions. The crowd consisted of everyone from dog lovers to retired veterans and people with disabilities. All age groups were represented.

Montalván discussed the need for service dogs in general and specifically their assistance with veterans, disabilities of both mind and body, and the need for comprehensive reform in the vague laws that govern the use of service dogs, and he touched on the current state of the military.

His words were not rehearsed and at times did not come easily. A soft-spoken man, he cautioned, “Trauma is a part of life and we need to learn to deal with it.”

At the end of his evening talk, he advised against giving money to big government organizations, but instead said to support local groups, whether those groups are based on veterans’ needs or are organizations that place service dogs.

In addition to his talks, there were question and answer sessions, book signings and photo opportunities. Tuesday seemed to thrive on the pets and hugs from his admiring fans.

“Tuesday is my beloved furry spirit,” Montalván said. “We are on a love fest and a mission of advocacy.”

Attendees agreed it was a mission that lifted the hearts of everyone present.

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