Support animals have long been in use across the U.S., and since January, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has been actively using K9s to emotionally and mentally support their staff.
K9 Blitzen is one of six official support dogs currently serving CBP personnel. He has been specially trained to support agents and family following traumatic incidents, officers passing and other significant events.
ABC-7’s “Be Mindful” Correspondent Avery Martinez was able to meet and interact with this service animal, and his handler, Brian Bagwell — a chaplain and supervisor with CBP. The pair shared some of their experiences and day-to-day adventures with him.
