Video: Starkville Guide Dog Nominated As A ‘Hero Dog’

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Some people consider their hero’s to be a loved one, a service member, or maybe a Superman himself.
But for Austin Marshall, his hero is his guide dog.

Marshall became Bentley’s owner almost a year ago.

After doing his own research and going through extensive interviews, the non-profit organization, Southeastern Guide Dogs matched up the duo.

Marshall has been legally blind since birth and says Bentley is more than just a great companion.

“I always tell people that he just makes my life more convenient . I’m able to look up when I walk down the street, I’m able to look ahead and see whose walking on the drill field or who all is at a game I’m at,” said Austin Marshall.

In addition to helping his owner in day-to-day life, Bentley also stands beside Marshall as he works  in freelance production for networks such as ESPN.

Just two weeks ago, Bentley was nominated for the American Humane Associations Hero Dog Contest.

Less than 200 guide or service dogs are nominated for the award nation-wide and Bentley is 1 out of 11 in his category.

“The guide dog community is getting larger, it’s a pretty big community as it is. Southeastern trains about 120, 130 dogs a year so for him to be 11th out of the thousands of guide dogs in the country is a pretty bid deal, for me anyway,” said Marshall.

For Austin, it’s more than just a contest, it’s a testament of his own hero’s story.

“He’s my hero because he makes it easier for me to get around. He does things for me that I can’t do on my own and that makes it special for me,” added Marshall.

If Bentley wins, the pair will donate $5,000 dollars to the International Guide Dogs Association For The Blind.

Voters can vote daily for Bentley on www.herodogawards.org/vote

Voting is open until May 15th.

Categories: Local News

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