DOVER, Md. – Blaze is furry good friend on the Dover Air Force base, who helps deliver solace to many households of active-duty army members and companionship to employees.
After being rescued from a neglect case by Paws of War, Blaze was delivered to Chaplin Captain William Kilgore, again in 2023.
“He was drawn to me, so we have actually been connected by the hip since I got him,” Captain Kilgore stated.
Blaze was added to the Air Force workforce as a remedy canine. Captain Kilgore stated since he was introduced on, the pup has been an asset to the mortuary department, consoling households of fallen troopers and employees who take care of losses head on.
“You have some people that you can get with on commonalities, like sports, movies, things of that nature. But when you have a dog with you, it opens another gate to communicate or interact with individuals,” Captain Kilgore stated.
Witnessing the direct toll that working within the mortuary can have on employees, port mortuary department chief, Danielle Wilk, stated Blaze’s presence alone has an amazing impression on the whole department.
“We are here to do our jobs, and whether it’s the job that we are doing, or just a job in general, having Blaze really is uplifting,” Wilk stated.
And whereas Captain Kilgore is a useful resource for household and employees on web site, Wilk stated there’s a sure draw that individuals need to Blaze, after they’re going through a few of their worst hardships.
“To be able to give these young airmen the opportunity to sit down and pet Blaze, without any words, you can see that calmness. Maybe you just have an understanding by looking at Blaze and him looking back at you,” Wilk stated.
