{"id":7670,"date":"2026-01-30T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7670"},"modified":"2026-01-30T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T15:30:00","slug":"a-new-era-of-healing-welcoming-west-texas-vas-first-facility-service-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7670","title":{"rendered":"A new era of healing: Welcoming West Texas VA\u2019s first facility service dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2026-01-30T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Loretta\u2019s journey from Canine Companions to becoming a beloved partner for Veterans<\/h2>\n

The West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) is filled with excitement as it welcomes its first facility service dog\u2014a remarkable partner from Canine Companions (CC), one of the nation\u2019s most respected service dog organizations. Her arrival has brought smiles, curiosity, and a renewed spark of energy and healing throughout the halls.<\/p>\n

Her name is Loretta\u2014a gentle, intuitive and exceptionally trained companion who has already begun settling into her role supporting Veterans. Loretta\u2019s journey to West Texas is a story rooted in compassion, dedication and community partnership, reflecting the very best of what collaborative Veteran care can achieve.<\/p>\n

A warm welcome from Veterans and staff<\/h2>\n

Loretta\u2019s gentle presence has already captured the hearts of many, including longtime Community Living Center resident Mr. Roe, an avid animal lover. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing like a dog\u2019s ability to lift your spirits,\u201d he said. \u201cJust knowing she\u2019s here brightens my day. She\u2019s going to make a real difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

A local start: trained by a community stakeholder<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/a>
Loretta practices her checkout skills, placing items on the counter to help Veterans complete their purchase. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Loretta\u2019s training began in West Texas with key stakeholder, the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI), in Big Spring. Puppies participate in structured training to learn obedience, social skills, public behavior and various environments. Afterward, they advance to service training.<\/p>\n

This program has greatly benefited West Texas Veterans. Before being placed, dogs regularly visited West Texas VA for recreation therapy, lifting spirits and offering comfort.<\/p>\n

Recently, two of Loretta\u2019s early trainers visited West Texas VA. Loretta recognized them immediately, showing affection. It was a touching reminder of the bonds formed during training.<\/p>\n

The visitors expressed how fulfilling it was to see Loretta serving Veterans. Their experience highlighted the importance of preparing these dogs for service, inspiring everyone involved.<\/p>\n

The careful selection of Loretta for West Texas Veterans<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/a>
Loretta practices retrieving dropped items and gently returning them to Veterans\u2014one more way she\u2019ll bring confidence and comfort to those she serves. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

After completing her advanced training with CC, Loretta was matched to West Texas VA<\/a> with thoughtful care. According to Aubrey Bagwell, the CC trainer who selected Loretta for this program, the placement process is far more personal than people may realize.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the beginning, we knew Loretta was special,\u201d Bagwell shared. \u201cShe was a dog for everyone\u2014steady, intuitive and able to connect with many people at once while keeping her own individualized skill set. She thrives in environments where she can work hard, please multiple people and bring comfort in a variety of settings. That\u2019s exactly the atmosphere she will have here at West Texas VA.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bagwell explained how Loretta naturally gravitated toward individuals who needed emotional support, quietly offering presence and comfort without being asked. \u201cI knew she belonged here,\u201d Bagwell said. \u201cShe has a heart that\u2019s meant to serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Canine Companions journey<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/a>
Loretta practices opening doors by tugging a training rope, making every entry a little easier for the Veterans she\u2019ll support. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Loretta\u2019s abilities are the result of a world-class, multi-stage training program. From early puppy raising to intermediate socialization to rigorous advanced training, she learned more than 40 specialized commands designed to support emotional wellness, encourage engagement and contribute to a therapeutic environment.<\/p>\n

Her placement culminated in a final matching phase, where her new handler\u2014Recreational Therapy Supervisor Erika Ledesma\u2014underwent extensive training to become Loretta\u2019s full-time partner.<\/p>\n

Erika\u2019s dedication makes it possible<\/h2>\n

At the heart of this milestone is Ledesma\u2019s persistence and belief in the healing power of animals. She completed a detailed application, multiple interviews, virtual trainings and an intensive week of in-person handler instruction to bring Loretta home.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis program means more than words can express,\u201d Ledesma shared. \u201cOur Veterans deserve joy, connection and comfort\u2014and Loretta brings it all the moment she walks into a room. Even in these first few days, you can already feel the difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

A new era of care<\/h2>\n

With Loretta\u2019s arrival, West Texas VA enters a new chapter of compassionate, innovative care\u2014one rooted in connection and the simple, profound comfort that only a dog can bring.<\/p>\n

Ledesma summed it up beautifully: \u201cShe\u2019s only been here a few days, and the excitement is already incredible. I know she\u2019s going to change lives\u2014and I\u2019m honored to be part of this journey with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

With open hearts and great anticipation, West Texas VA proudly welcomes its newest teammate\u2014Loretta\u2014and looks forward to the joy, comfort and healing she will offer every Veteran she meets.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s never too late to apply for VA health care you\u2019ve earned. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who has not yet applied for their VA health care benefits, learn how to\u202fget started<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Loretta, West Texas VA’s first facility service dog, brings joy, comfort and healing to Veterans, enhancing compassionate care.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":67,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-news"],"yoast_head":"\nA new era of healing: Welcoming West Texas VA\u2019s first facility service dog - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Loretta, West Texas VA's first facility service dog, brings joy, comfort and healing to Veterans, enhancing compassionate care.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7670\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A new era of healing: Welcoming West Texas VA\u2019s first facility service dog - 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