Article by MJ Aylesworth, The Pink Berets, South Carolina Chapter
At only four months old, Delta’s life took a tragic turn. He was found in the middle of the road in a rough neighborhood, alone and vulnerable. A good Samaritan spotted him just in time and saved him from what could have been a devastating accident. Despite efforts to locate his owner through social media posts and a microchip scan, no one came forward to claim him. After a month of waiting, the good Samaritan reached out to me for help.
My first thought was to find Delta a placement in a working K-9 role, such as narcotics detection, security, or personal protection, jobs where his breed, the Belgian Malinois, often excels. But after evaluating him closely, it became clear that a high-stress environment was not the right path. Instead, I chose to explore opportunities where Delta could thrive in a nurturing role, free from the pressure of violence or aggression.
During his first veterinary visit for vaccinations, swelling was noticed beneath his left eye. Initially, it was thought to be related to the eruption of his adult teeth, but the swelling persisted. A deeper examination revealed the unthinkable: Delta had a BB lodged in his face. Later, a chiropractic evaluation uncovered further injuries, including instability in his left shoulder and hip, consistent with having been thrown from a vehicle. Together, the veterinarian, chiropractor, and I concluded that Delta had been shot and discarded like garbage.
His behavior reinforced this heartbreaking reality. Even a simple hand movement above his head would cause him to drop to the ground in fear, and his skittishness around men suggested that his abuser had likely been male. Yet despite all the pain and betrayal he suffered at such a young age, Delta’s heart remained full of love. He greeted strangers with kindness and wanted nothing more than to play with anyone willing to throw a ball.
With youth on his side, Delta is expected to recover from his injuries. For now, he is undergoing cold laser therapy twice a day, hydrotherapy once a week, and taking supplements to support the strength of his joints and muscles. Once he reaches two years old and his growth plates are closed, X-rays will be taken to monitor his hip and shoulder. During his neuter procedure, the BB will also be removed to spare him from being put under anesthesia twice.
What makes Delta truly extraordinary is not just his survival, but his resilience. His gentle spirit and unwavering kindness make him a perfect candidate for therapy and service work. His story mirrors the struggles of many of the veterans The Pink Berets supports, harmed, used, and discarded by those who were supposed to protect them. Delta will now have the chance to transform his pain into purpose by becoming a therapy and service dog for veterans in need.
Delta’s training program will include everything from basic and advanced obedience to public access certification, service task training, and therapy dog credentials. Belgian Malinois are not generally well-suited as pets due to their high energy levels, intelligence, and need for constant mental stimulation. Still, with the structured training and care he is receiving, Delta’s physical and mental needs are being fully met.
From a frightened, abused puppy to a future service dog, Delta’s journey is one of hope, resilience, and healing. His transformation shows that even in the darkest of beginnings, there can be light, and his new purpose will be to bring that light to veterans who need him most.
