Vet receives four-legged friend

  • Published
  • By Austin Thomas
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) --  Retired Tech. Sgt. Matthew Slaydon, a former 56th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, was investigating an improvised explosive device in Kirkuk, Iraq, in October 2007, when it detonated nearly two feet from his face.

As a result, Sergeant Slaydon lost his sight and his left arm. More than three years later, Sergeant Slaydon now has the help of a guide dog -- Legend.

"I met with Fidelco Guide Dogs at the Blinded Veterans Association convention," Sergeant Slaydon said. "A couple weeks after I talked with them, they sent someone out to evaluate me."

It took around a year to find the perfect dog to suit Sergeant Slaydon.

"The big problem we had to deal with was my arm," he said, "I wanted to be able to lead Legend with my prosthetic arm. If I led him with my right arm, I wouldn't have any free arms and I don't want to have to stop if I need to take something out of my pocket."

When Sergeant Slaydon trained with Legend, he found the dog was perfect for him.

"We had some complications in the beginning," Sergeant Slaydon said. "While I first started training with Legend, I was walking with him when he got distracted and walked off. I fell and broke my shoulder. But instead of giving up on him, I said 'We are both new (at this); we can try again.'"

After Legend went through six months of training with Fidelco Guide Dogs and two weeks of training with Sergeant Slaydon, Legend went to live with Sergeant Slaydon Oct. 3.

"Legend helps me with companionship, and now he gives me a reason to get out of the house," Sergeant Slaydon said. "Now, I have to take him outside to exercise. Right now, we just walk down to the mailbox together but we are taking small steps. We will gradually begin to do bigger tasks together."

Fidelco and all other guide dog companies are non-profit organizations, so the dogs are free.

"Legend is the perfect guide dog," Sergeant Slaydon said. "He is easy, laid-back, responds very well to voice commands and is very loving."