Local disabled veteran regains happiness from companion dog

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Two years ago, Ron Niebergall welcomed his dog Dooley into his life when the pup was just four and a half months old. As a disabled veteran, Niebergall describes Dooley as far more than a mere companion; the dog has become an essential part of his daily life and well-being.

“My neighbor across the street knew the guy that owned him, and he had a shock collar on him that was on level five,” Niebergall said. “I took it off Dooley and stuck it on my arm and hit that button. I said, oh, no wonder Dooley screaming and hollering. But she asked me if I wanted Dooley and I said, ‘yeah.'”

Niebergall said Dooley helps him with his mental health. He said Dooley will lay on his chest to give him comfort.

“I got diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and I had some stress and he helps me forget about it. And it’s pretty good. I take him places with me that helps with the depression.”

When Niebergall first got Dooley, he took him on a motorcycle ride all the way to Ohio. Since then, Dooley has been on many rides and met a lot other bikers.

Niebergall said he considers his motorcycle to be Dooley’s bike now.

Dooley even recognizes employees from Biker Wear, a motorcycle shop in Johnson City.

Niebergall would like to get Dooley certified as a service animal. He said money is an issue with getting him the training he needs. However, he has taught Dooley many skills himself.

“I taught him his left from his right. Hello. Goodbye. I taught him how to say I want it. I mean, it sounds just like he’s saying’ I want it.'”

“Buddha over by Biker Wear taught him how to dance. He’d hold the food, he’d twirl around and circle.”

Niebergall said if Dooley gets certified as a service dog, he’ll be able to take him into more places.

“I’m [a] handicapped veteran and I only make just under 1300 dollars a month. And it’d be nice if the people who train the animals, can evaluate Dooley and maybe grandfather him in. That’d be really cool.”

Niebergall said his life would look a lot different if he didn’t have Dooley.

He wants people to know how much his dog makes him happy.

“He likes kids. He’s just a good dog. Everybody he meets loves him, and he loves them.”

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