“Because of beautiful Brittani, I am free again,” says wounded warrior Cpl. Michael Jernigan, USMC (Ret.), the first U.S. serviceman to lose both of his eyes during the War on Terror, and Palmetto-based Southeastern Guide Dogs’ first Paws for Patriots™ recipient. After faithfully serving as Jernigan’s eyes for eight years, Brittani, 10, a yellow, female, Labrador-golden retriever mix, retired with honors at a unique, tail-wagging luncheon held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club February 17. Jernigan is a St. Petersburg native who lost his vision while suffering severe bodily wounds and traumatic brain injury in a roadside bomb explosion in Iraq in 2004. The Marine co-founded the Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Paws for Patriots™ program in 2006 and was paired with guide dog Brittani on March 25, 2007.
Special guests at Brittani’s retirement included Vice Admiral Joseph Maguire, who spoke of the life-changing service that Southeastern Guide Dogs such as Brittani provide to veterans and others; St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, who proclaimed February 17 as “Southeastern Guide Dog Brittani Day”; and Gary Tibbets, aide to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, who presented Brittani with a commemorative flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol.
Hand picked for her confidence, calmness and ability to help her handler overcome his vision loss and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 75-pound Brittani has brought Jernigan unconditional love, confidence, independence and dignity, and enabled him to graduate college and build a successful career helping other veterans. Together, they have made 66 cross-country flights and shared messages of hope and opportunity to the world. Jernigan, who credits his ability to survive and thrive in the aftermath of his injuries to the patience, intelligence and devotion of Brittani, will be paired with a successor dog in the near future.
Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Paws for Patriots™ program is celebrated for providing more than 100 dogs such as Brittani to deserving veterans like Jernigan, including guide dogs for the visually impaired; service dogs for veterans with PTSD; and facility therapy dogs for military hospitals around the country.
In his remarks about Brittani’s service, Southeastern Guide Dogs’ CEO Titus Herman quoted the Marine motto “Semper Fi”—from the Latin phrase meaning “always faithful” or “always loyal”. “During her career, Brittani had one mission, one purpose, and one pursuit,” Herman said, “to be faithful and loyal to Michael. To be by his side, leading the way. As his guide, companion, and friend, she helped him become the success he is today.” Now that she is retired, Brittani will enjoy the rest of her days as the adopted pet of a Jernigan family friend and continue to live in the St. Petersburg area.
Southeastern Guide Dogs is internationally accredited and named as Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2014 Non-profit of the Year. Founded in 1982, the organization employs the latest in canine development and behavior research to create and nurture partnerships between visually impaired individuals and extraordinary guide dogs. It serves more than 400 graduates across the U.S. and continues to place more than 100 dogs each year into careers benefiting people with visual impairments and veterans. The charity provides all of its services free of charge and receives no government funding. Visit www.guidedogs.org for more information.
Picture ID Left to Right: Vice Admiral Joe Maguire; CEO Titus Herman; St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman; Gary Tibbets of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan’s office and veteranMichael Jernigan honoring Southeastern Guide Dog Brittani at her official retirement event.