On September 11, 2020, a Golden Retriever puppy was born at New Hope Assistance Dogs. He was named Siri, short for Sirius, after the police service dog who lost his life in the World Trade Center attacks nineteen years earlier. It was a fitting tribute. But no one could have predicted just how meaningful that name would become.
Todd Parker knows something about September 11th.
Parker graduated from Manheim Township in 1981 and served in the U.S. Army for more than two decades, retiring as a Major in 2006. His specialty was counterterrorism, including two master’s degrees in the field, certifications from the FBI, CIA, and FEMA, and service on a Joint Terrorism Task Force. When our country was attacked on September 11, 2001, Parker was called to play an instrumental role in the nation’s response.
But decades of service left a heavy toll. Parker frequently visits the Lancaster VA Clinic and VA hospital for treatment. During a particularly difficult period, he encountered a Vietnam veteran and his service dog at the clinic. The veteran told Parker about New Hope Assistance Dogs, a program that matches veterans with trained service animals.
Parker applied. He met ten dogs. But one connection was instant. Siri. “As I was wrapping up the paperwork, the staff said, ‘Siri’s brother lives in Lancaster,'” Parker recalls. It was the Vietnam veteran’s dog he’d met at the VA clinic, the one whose presence had inspired him to apply in the first place.
Today, four years later, the bond between Siri and Parker runs deep. After decades of serving his country, Siri has given Parker a new mission. The pair regularly visits veterans organizations like the Building Bridges Foundation and the Lancaster Veterans Breakfast Club.
”He loves humans,” Parker says of his companion. “When his service vest comes out, his head goes down because he wants to be friends with everybody.”
Siri’s charm extends beyond Lancaster County. With more than 10,000 followers on social media, the Golden Retriever is capturing hearts around the world. Locally, he’s become something of a celebrity, even being featured on the front page of LNP after participating in an event honoring service dogs.
Parker is looking for more opportunities to get Siri out into the community. A dog born on September 11th, named for a hero lost that day, now in the care of a veteran who served in its aftermath, it’s a story that’s come full circle. And Parker wants to share it.
“There’s nobody on this earth that could walk by Siri and leave without a smile.” Says Parker.
Follow Siri’s adventures on social media:
Instagram: @siri_theservicedog
Facebook: @siritheservicedog
If you’d like to learn more about New Hope Assistance Dogs, you can visit their website here: https://newhopedogs.net/
