Al Franken: A wounded veteran's best friend

[ubiquitous_a]

A chance encounter inspires my first bill: Legislation making the service dog program more affordable for our troops.

By AL FRANKEN

In my first week as a U.S. senator, I had the privilege of participating in the Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

The hearing was historic -- but as I prepare to introduce my first piece of

Comments

[queenweasley]

Has anyone seen that episode of Oprah that showed a program that allowed prison inmates to train dogs for soldiers? I thought that was such a great idea.

http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/index.asp

Even better...

[luno]

The dogs learn how to hide contraband, sniff out bacon and play "fetch the dope".

Re: Even better...

[chaobell]

[schmanda]

Yep, the vet in question's dog came through that program. The WSJ profiled Montalvan and Tuesday a few weeks back, in fact.

[popehippo]

Man, this article is not helping me curb my desire to get a puppy for when me and my two roomies move out into a bigger flat come September.

Suggestions for a breed good for apartments, anyone?

People will often avert their eyes when they see a wounded veteran. But when the veteran has a dog, the same people will come up and say hi to pet the dog and then strike up a conversation.

Just something I noticed, isn't it a huge no-no to pet a service dog?

[chaobell]

We have a deaf lady that comes in the shop with her adorable wee service dog named Wookiee (who actually looks more like an Ewok, but never mind that) and she says it's fine. And he sits and looks cute and licks our hands when we're done petting.

Feeding them is another story, though.

[fenris_lorsrai]

It's generally a no-no to pet the service dog without asking. Which is generally true of every dog, but you're more likely to get a no with a service dog.

As to good for apartments, sato:

[omgangiepants]

Go to the humane society. You'll find someone.

[boyracer1211]

Al Franken, I love you so much right now, it's ridic. I may not be American, but I sincerely hope this bill passes. I have nothing but the utmost respect for vets everywhere and believe that we should be doing more to help them in any way we can, particularly when they return home from combat with special needs.

[hey_its_michael]

I saw this on CNN's political ticker today, and was royally disgusted by conservative assholes who took the opportunity to spin this into a negative for Franken.

Seriously, WTF is wrong with people? I think this bill is more relevant and important than 1/2 the crap that goes through Congress.

[ubiquitous_a]

Franken is one of those who many of those on the right are going to trash no matter what they do. I agree, that this kind of legislation is something that directly has an effect on people's lives, and I can't think that's a bad thing!

[apocalypsos]

Wait, people are actually attempting to argue this is a bad idea?

What am I talking about? Of course there are unapologetic loudmouthed smegbags in this country. Forget I even asked.

[hey_its_michael]

Yeah, arguing that this is an example of what a "joke" Franken is as a Senator.

Frankly, this callousness revolts me. :o(

[schmiss]

I <3 MY SENATOR.

[fargo_pixie]

This. I can't wait to move back to Minnesota soon so that he can be my senator.