OSHKOSH, Wis. — A veteran from Oshkosh has found a way to not only be successful in his career but also his life, thanks to a four-legged friend.
Jorel Wester is a Coast Guard veteran who is proud of his service.
“I’m very happy with what I did,” Wester said. “I feel like I made an impact on a lot of people.”
However, things weren’t always easy for Wester. He left the Coast Guard with both physical and mental health difficulties. It was at that point, he said, he felt lost and went to a dark place in his life.
“I had made plan to end my life,” Wester said. “I was very serious and convinced myself that that was the only way out was to end my life.”
Just hours before he planned to take his own life, he stopped for a final meal at Firehouse Subs. It was there he saw an ad for K9s For Warriors on one of the sub restaurant cups. Wester said he took it as a sign to keep going.
Shortly after, he applied for a service dog. It took two years to get paired with a dog, but during that time, he went to the Veterans Affairs to find help. He said because of the help he got there, he’s become a stronger person to this day. Nearly four years ago, he was paired with Betsy.
Betsy is a black lab who has helped Wester gain more confidence and a sense of security. Without her, he said he’s not sure he would be here to tell his story.
“She’s opened a lot more, so much more for me. From work to education, to school, to my family, it’s a lot,” Wester said. “Without her, I don’t think I would be there, I don’t think I would be here.”
Now, Wester has found a steady career with Oshkosh Corporation as a tooling designer. And while he’s working, he can have Betsy by his side.
“I know with her I can make it work. For me, she’s a tool that helps me function and makes it work for her, and makes it work for me,” Wester said.
The two are a pair you can see are meant to be. Their bond and working relationship has allowed Wester the opportunity to thrive with his best friend by his side.
