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Service Dog Not Allowed In Army-Run Home Full Time
POSTED: 9:20 pm MDT September 10,
2007
UPDATED: 10:17 pm MDT September 10,
2007
EL PASO, Texas -- Pvt. 1st Class Adrian Garcia and his service dog Moukei traveled from Los Angeles where he first met the dog, back to San Antonio, where he has received constant care at the Brooke Army Medical Center. Garcia said when he returned to San Antonio, he learned if he wants to finish his rehabilitation, he might have to live farther away from the hospital, because of the dog that will help him recover.West Coast Customs, a car specialty company in Los Angeles, donated the dog."We hope this dog brings you as much happiness and satisfaction as anyone of our own dogs brings us," said Big Dane, owner West Coast Customs.Garcia said Moukei has brought both happiness and disappointment. When Garcia returned to his temporary home at the Fisher House in San Antonio, a place run by the Army for wounded soldiers and their families to live, they said the dog has got to go."I can understand why they wouldn't allow pets, but she's a service dog and she is trained. And so, I mean it's, it's upsetting," said Garcia.We first told you about Garcia in March. The former Ysleta basketball star seemed hopeful that he could fully recover. Now he believes Moukei could make the difference."She'll help me with balance, counterbalance, and just overall demeanor. She's always there to love me," said Garcia.During the first meeting with Moukei, Garcia learned that being with the dog in the early stages will pay dividends later on."Right now it's more important that I have her by my side, because she's getting to know me, and she's hesitant to obey my commands," said Garcia.He hopes Fisher House will let Moukei stay, not just for him, but for others."I hope they are willing to resolve the issue, because I'm not the only soldier that's going to want service dogs," said Garcia.KFOX has learned that Moukei will be able to stay with Garcia during the daytime hours at Fisher House. KFOX tried to get in contact with multiple people at Brooke Army Medical Center, but no one returned our calls.Rep. Silvestre Reyes' office said they have contacted the Army on Garcia's behalf, and said they want to look into ways to resolve the problem.
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