Paul and his German Shepherd Charlie visit with veterans.
Every Wednesday, as faithful as a sunrise, Paul Schmidt and a German Shepherd named Charlie visit East Tennessee Veterans and their caregivers at the Ben Atchley State Veterans' Home.
"Believe me, you get a lot more than you give," said Mr. Schmidt, a veteran of the Marine Corps from 1954-1962.
"I've had veterans tell me, you're the only one who comes and visits me. And it just tears your heart out so Charlie and I are just giving back a little to our fellow vets, and it is wonderful," said Mr. Schmidt.
He and Charlie have made the rounds every week for close to a year and a half. The caregivers are thrilled to see them arrive on Wednesday mornings.
"He is such a blessing to whoever he comes in contact with, it is the highlight of our day," said Ginny Howe, who helps coordinate activities for the patients at Ben Atchley.
Paul and Charlie were both trained at the University of Tennessee Veterinary School in a program called "The Human Animal Bond In Tennessee" or H.A.B.I.T. They are one of anywhere from two-hundred fifty to three hundred volunteers taking dogs into hospitals, nursing homes, and other care centers across East Tennessee.
"It took one veteran who was bed ridden everything he had to raise his arms so that he could pet Charlie. I've come to believe that he, like so many others find comfort in Charlie's visits. Charlie is now part of their lives and without a doubt one of their, not just my best friends," said Mr. Schmidt.