Waves of Change: Tank's Tale

At High Tide Theatrical, we believe in the power of storytelling — both onstage and off.

As part of our partnership with K9s for Camo during our run of HAIR, we’re honored to share the voices of those directly impacted by their life-changing work. Below is a personal story from one of K9s for Camo’s clients — a family whose life has been forever transformed by the gift of a service dog.

Their story is a powerful reminder of why this mission matters and how community support truly saves lives.

“Tank is an eight-year-old Bullmastiff and Pit Bull mix service dog. My husband, Steve, was gifted with Tank from K9s for Camo seven years ago. I would like to share the path that Tank traveled to become our beloved companion.

Tank was roaming the streets when picked up by animal control. Valley Hills Rescue in Springfield stepped in and adopted him the day before he was scheduled to be euthanized. He was then adopted by K9s for Camo. John Lopez, the founder of K9s for Camo, saw something in Tank that made him believe this dog had the characteristics that would serve him well as a service dog. Tank trained at the Hawliday Inn Pet Resort and also at the Ozark Correctional Center. The inmate trainers worked with Tank to help him pass his AKC Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, Urban Canine, and Public Access certification tests.

The beauty of Tank’s journey to become a K9 service dog is that not only was his life saved, but the offenders at the Ozark Correctional Center were given opportunities for success upon release. The trainers have lower depression and aggression rates. They also learn marketable life skills that assist them in transition to society.

K9s for Camo’s primary mission is to gift service dogs to veterans with PTSD and/or health issues. The K9s allow veterans to have renewed confidence and security. The dogs, in turn, teach and inspire those individuals they meet along the way.

Steve, a navy veteran, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He continued to work as a civil engineer until his symptoms interfered with his job tasks. Upon Steve’s retirement remaining active was a priority to continue his energetic lifestyle and keep Parkinson’s from disabling him. We learned about Rock Steady Boxing at the Bodysmith from Steve’s neurologist. Our participation in activities at The Bodysmith has been a cornerstone in our dealing with Parkinson’s. However, the bouts of depression that accompany Parkinson’s were still an issue. We learned of K9s for Camo and discovered Steve was eligible to apply for a service dog due to the fact that he served in the Navy. Tank was chosen to be Steve’s K9 and their bond was almost immediate. Tank and Steve trained as a team. Steve’s speech was affected by his Parkinson’s, so Tank responds to verbal and hand signal commands. K9s for Camo provided ongoing guidance and training as needed.

Tank started as a mobility dog providing balance for Steve. As Steve transitioned to a walker or transport chair, Tank walked right next to him with pride. Tank is also task trained to pick up anything Steve drops and return it to him. When walking in a crowd Tank will do a maneuver called “in tight” to form a barrier between Steve and other people.

Tank’s mere presense at Steve’s side gives Steve a sense of peace. We were so grateful for the gift of our loving and loyal Tank.

However, the story of Tank doesn’t end there. Steve died two years ago. I was allowed to keep Tank. We really needed to support each other in our grief. Tank and I were ready for a purpose after some time had passed. Access Hospice approached me about Tank and I becoming volunteers. We go to care facilities and are assigned to our new friends. The lovely ladies that we visit are so happy to see Tank enter the room. They always remember Tank’s name and sometimes mine. Tank also does meet-and-greet at the facilities so more of the residents can get to know him. He is a perfect gentleman except for rolling on his back for extra attention.

We are still a part of the K9s for Camo family. Tank has my heart and those of his many admirers.”

– Becky Brown

High Tide Theatrical is proud to support K9s for Camo through a featured drink on our specialty cocktail menu for HAIR. A portion of proceeds from this drink will go directly to benefit K9s for Camo and their mission to provide trained service dogs to veterans in need — at no cost to them. Join us in raising a glass for a great cause!

Waves of Change: Tank's Tale

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