SAN ANTONIO -- An Army veteran who lost his legs in combat said Sunday he is upset that army officials will not let him keep his service dog by his side while he recovers.

Pfc. Adrian Garcia, 19, a resident of the Fisher House, said his dog, Moukie, has helped him recover after a rocket propelled grenade hit his Humvee in March.

Garcia said his dog is doing more for him than any dose of medicine.

"In crowds, she will help me with balance and with overall demeanor," he said. "She is always there to love me."

Garcia is asking the U.S. Army to make exceptions to let his beloved dog stay by his side.

"I can understand how they don't allow pets, but she is a service dog and she is trained," he said.

Garcia claims that if he can't have Moukie with him, he may have to suffer and leave the Fisher House.

He said he doesn't want to have to leave the facility because it's beneficial to him and his family.

Garcia and his family are scheduled to meet with the Fisher House manager on Monday.

In the meantime, a family has volunteered to take care of Moukie until a decision is made.