Is there an age limit for adopting a dog, just as there is for adopting a child? No, it does not appear to be the case. How fortunate for Annabelle Weiss, our brave US Marine Corps veteran. Annabelle joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 20 and worked as a driver and plane inspector. She moved to New York after being discharged in 1946 and became a nurse.

She has always led an active lifestyle. However, there came a time when she was not feeling well and had some nagging health issues. Thyroid cancer was diagnosed by the doctor. This was a huge setback. It meant the end of her very independent way of life. She lived alone on Long Island and began to realize she might require assistance.

Then Annabelle remembered an organization called America’s Vet Dogs, which matches service dogs with needy veterans.

Joey, a gorgeous golden Labrador, met her here! She had a gut feeling he was the one for her. Joey is a trained service dog who has assisted Annabelle in numerous ways, including picking up items that she has dropped. He can help her open and close doors, get out of a chair and navigate stairs. She can go about her normal life — shopping, going for a walk, visiting friends, popping out for a snack — because Joey is there to support her every step of the way.

Annabelle does some housework in the mornings, while Joey lies around dozing. He knows they’ll be off on another adventure in the afternoon, and it’ll be time for him to get back to work! Joey wears Annabelle’s vest while working, so he knows exactly what happens when during the day.

And now that Annabelle has Joey by her side, she can continue her adventurous life. People are surprised that Annabelle drives at her age, but she quickly tells them that she used to drive her Colonel around during the war!