A litter of Labrador retriever puppies was born last year in Kansas Nov. 10, the week of Veteran’s Day. In honor of the men and women who serve in our military, KSDS, Inc., named each of the 10 yellow and black puppies for military bases around the United States, and one roly-poly little yellow male pup was named “Whidbey.”

We didn’t find out about our namesake puppy until last week when we received a call from Judith Sifers, chief executive officer of KSDS, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization located in Washington, Kan. which is in the north central region of the state. KSDS, Inc., promotes the independence and inclusion of individuals with disabilities as fully participating and contributing members of their communities and society by providing guide, service and social dogs. 

“It was so interesting learning about the different bases and deciding on the names for our puppies,” said Sifers, who was holding “Miramar” in her lap during the phone call. “We learned so much about where our military men and women are serving. It’s made us feel much closer to them.”

Sifer said NAS Whidbey Island will receive a certificate and picture of Whidbey after he heads off to live with a volunteer puppy-raiser. He’ll learn basic obedience, house and public manners, and socialization and receive regular veterinary care, often at a discount rate since he’s in training as an assistance dog.

When Whidbey is about 18 months old, he’ll return to Washington, Kan., receive a comprehensive medical exam to check his hips and eyes, be evaluated by KSDS trainers, then placed in one of the three advanced training programs: guide (visual impairment), service (physical disability) or social (rehab, counseling, specialty). As an interesting side note, part of the advanced training program is conducted at the Topeka Correctional Facility under the supervision of KSDS trainers.

While Whidbey may have some long and arduous training ahead of him, we know he’ll make us proud.