SAN ANTONIO – A local therapy dog is bringing comfort to people all over San Antonio, and although his mission is not unique, the way he got his job is.
Travis, a doberman pincher, is the best friend of retired Air Force Officer Greg Lahue.
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In 2006, Lahue's wife was given 14 months to live after she was diagnosed with cancer. She received chemotherapy treatments for almost six years, but is alive today.
"I've gone on this cancer journey with my wife, so I know what it's like to get chemotherapy every other week," said Lahue.
For the last year, Travis has come along, too. And although a doberman may appear to be too ferocious looking to be a good therapy dog, but Lahue said he's nothing but a cuddly, loving dog.
"When I first saw him, I asked him, 'Is he real friendly?' He said 'Oh yea." And you can tell he's just as friendly as can be. He lets you pet him and everything," said Marlene Feuerleine, a cancer patient.
Lahue said Travis' soothing presence gives people something to take their minds off the chemotherapy treatments.
"The petting is like soothing to you. And everybody, when he comes in, they're so glad to see the dog because it takes your mind off what you're going through," said Feuerleine.
"I meet patients that have a brain tumor and I tell them the story of my wife, and [they say] 'You gave me hope.' It's extremely rewarding in every way," said Lahue.