In a heartwarming story of family bonds and service, Mike Retzlaff, a 78-year-old Air Force veteran, recently spoke with PEOPLE about the profound impact that a service dog, Harper, has had on his life. Raised since birth by Mike’s sister, Jeri Retzlaff, Harper has become an invaluable companion for Mike, helping him navigate challenges stemming from both hearing loss and PTSD.
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Mike Retzlaff’s military career spanned 38 years, culminating in his retirement in 2006 as a Chief Master Sergeant after serving in the Vietnam War. His service, however, came at a cost; exposure to gunfire led to significant hearing impairment, which he did not address until a police incident brought it to light. “During my military career, I had been exposed to gunfire quite a bit. When you’re in a wartime environment, earplugs are a no-no,” he shared. Mike admitted that he lived with his deteriorating hearing for decades until a police officer stopped him after he failed to yield to an emergency vehicle.
That moment led Mike to learn about Canine Companions, an organisation dedicated to matching trained service dogs with individuals needing assistance. The police officer, having recently been involved in an event promoting the service dog’s training programme, encouraged Mike to reach out to them. “He thanked me for my service and asked me what my disability was,” Mike recalled. The officer’s suggestion proved pivotal, steering him towards help.
Prior to their fateful match, Mike’s sister, Jeri, had dedicated years to raising service dogs for Canine Companions. Starting in 2016, she successfully trained seven dogs, all of whom were placed in service. In her current role as a breeder caretaker, Jeri found the perfect culmination of her and Mike’s journeys when Harper, one of her charges, was matched with her brother. “I was the first human to hold her after she was born,” he proudly recounted.
The moment Mike and Harper met was charged with emotion. Jeri expressed her joy saying, “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would have the honour of handing over the leash of a dog I raised to my brother.” The connection was instantaneous, and Mike acknowledged that it felt unique, even among the other service dogs in training. “Everyone else saw a different kind of love between Harper and me compared to the feeling between them and their dogs,” he noted.
Now living with both Mike and Jeri, Harper’s presence has transformed their lives. Jeri remarked that seeing Harper again after her training was an emotional experience. “She was much more mature and skilled, but still the loving, wiggly puppy I raised,” she shared, adding that their relationship has only deepened.
For Mike, Harper is not just a companion; she has become an essential part of managing his PTSD. He recounted a poignant moment on the first night with her, during which she instinctively comforted him during an episode. “She put her paw on me, so I turned over… and she stayed right there until I went back to sleep,” he recalled, highlighting the bond they have developed.
Harper is also trained to assist Mike on a practical level, alerting him to sirens, which has become especially important as he navigates life as a veteran. With every siren she detects, she helps ensure his safety whilst smoothing the way through his day-to-day challenges. “It brings a smile to my face when I see Harper working for Mike,” Jeri expressed. “I know she is where she was meant to be.”
The story of Mike and Jeri Retzlaff, together with Harper, is a testament to the profound influence of service dogs and the unbreakable ties of family. As Harper continues to fulfil her purpose, her influence reaches far beyond her role, offering solace and companionship in a way that only a dog can. Jeri sums it up beautifully: “I’m so glad to see her fulfilling her mission in life.”
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