KEY WEST, Fla. – A Florida Keys Army veteran received a very special surprise Monday afternoon.
Daashia Cochran was awarded a Belgian Malinois puppy at Key West Veterans Memorial Garden at Bayview Park, surrounded by other service members.
The adorable pup, from Holzerland Protection Dogs out of Tampa, will be a post-traumatic stress support dog for Cochran, who has experience with the breed in her time in the Army and in law enforcement.
“You still decided to serve out country with the kind heart that you have,” organization founder Brianna Holzerland said. “We want this to be a positive experience for you to show that you’re still backed by fellow service members.”
The dog is being named Persephone, the goddess of spring.
“I don’t have words right now, I am really overwhelmed,” Cochran said though tears.