As of June 26, 2023, the American Legion Post 94 in Rushford, Minn., has its first ever mascot – a dog named Bella. But this four-year-old Golden Retriever is much more than just a pretty face. She is veteran Ron Petersen’s service dog. Petersen served in Vietnam with the Marine Corp and has been dealing with the aftereffects for many years. To help with this, one of his VA medical providers suggested he try a service dog. After receiving approval from his doctor he looked for a place that trained service dogs and decided to go with PAD (Patriot Assistance Dogs).
“They (PAD) provide dogs and/or you can get your own dog,” explains Petersen. “My heart is with Goldens (Golden Retrievers) and at that time all they had was yellow labs, German shepherds and a few others.”
Ron and his wife Peggy found a breeder in Joice, Iowa, that they were comfortable with. More paperwork was filled out and a veterinarian had to certify that he was capable of caring for a dog and meeting specific veterinary needs of that dog. Upon approval, he and his wife were able to go down and pick out a puppy – Bella.
To even get into the service dog program, Bella needed to go through a six-week puppy school followed by an eight-week good citizen training program.
“That’s where your dog learns the basic sit, come, stay,” says Petersen. “We try to antagonize her to bite because if your dog bites it cannot be in the program at all.”
After passing both of these courses, the diplomas were sent to PAD in Detroit Lakes, Minn. where they then went for a two-day interview. Bella was checked and tested for suitability with the program. Within a few days they received a call that Bella was accepted and after a two month wait they began classes for service dog training. The first half was more obedience training and discipline. The second half of the training was tailored to the services that Bella would provide for Ron.
“A lot of people don’t understand a service dog. They (service dogs) all apply a particular service or services for each handler,” explains Petersen. “My dog does multiple things for me. If I don’t take my evening pills she’s there to remind me. When I’m on the trail she watches my six. If anyone is coming she will get ahead of me and block me, almost forcing me to turn around so I can see. Any movements she picks up on really well. In the grocery store she’ll look both ways to make sure it’s clear before she steps out. She stops at the crosswalk and she’ll sit so I have to stop and then she’ll look both ways and she’ll get up and go. If there are cars she won’t get up. I have balance issues so when I fall she’ll stay right there.”
These are just a few of the many services that Bella provides to her owner but he was also trained to take care of her. Petersen was taught first aid in case Bella is injured or has a medical emergency. She has a special pack that she wears that holds paperwork, doggy bags, some treats and a water dish. They have water with them and also have to have a backpack full of supplies for Bella. The list has over 40 items and includes basic equipment, grooming supplies, health and veterinary supplies and other miscellaneous items she may need. She has play time twice a day and socialization with other dogs as well as veterinary checks quarterly.
Another important part of Bella’s training was making sure that she stayed with her owner no matter what noise and chaos was going on. She was in and around police cars, fire trucks and ambulances with full sirens and had firefighters in full gear come up to her.
“Bella went right up to them and that’s what they want, not to be scared of civil service people,” says Petersen.
Upon passing the final exams Ron and Bella graduated from service dog training and in two years they will go back for a refresher course where they will receive their permanent license. During the first year of graduation they need to check in with a facilitator every month. Once they get a permanent license, Petersen would like to become a facilitator.
After graduation in September 2023, Bella was introduced to the Rushford Police Department, and the owners of the grocery store and local restaurants. She will be introduced this spring to the fire department, school, and city hall. She is with Ron almost everywhere he goes, including Legion meetings and honor guard duty.
“One night we had a board meeting and a request came up to make her the first mascot this Legion has ever had and I had to abstain. I can’t vote on that. And then I found out the culprit was my wife,” chuckles Petersen.
A member of the Legion Auxiliary, Peggy Petersen first talked with the president of the Auxiliary and then wrote an official letter to Rushford American Legion Commander Tom Butterfield.
“I knew Bella for the three years she was being trained to be a service dog,” says Commander Butterfield. “After she was certified, Ron’s wife Peg wrote an official request to the Legion Post to adopt Bella as our official mascot. When we brought it up at our meeting it was a short discussion and a unanimous vote to name Bella as our official mascot. Not only is Bella our mascot but she attends funerals and events with our Honor Guard. Bella is not just a mascot or Ron’s service animal, she brings joy and comfort to everyone she greets.”
The cost of Bella and her training amounted to around $30,000, which was paid for by donations, but to Ron and Peggy she is priceless.
“There are no words to describe how important she is to my husband and myself,” says Peggy. “I thought she would be a very good mascot for the Legion.”
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