By Brandi Miller / For the FCT

Anyone who has ever owned a pet will often admit the animal is not just a pet but a member of the family. That’s how Bren Wells feels about a furry family member to whom she recently said good-bye.

Wells, a sophomore at Red Bay High School, recently donated her German Shepherd Quincy to K-9 Training Center in Tupelo, Miss., to be trained as a service dog for a Wounded Warrior.

“We were looking into getting him trained,” said Wells. “K-9 Training Center was recommended to us, and after calling them, we were informed of their desire to start giving back to veterans.

“Quincy needed someone to spend more time with him,” said Wells. “He needed more than a small yard in the suburbs. I’m a rather busy person. Between babysitting and school work, I didn’t have the time he needed and very much deserved. I also knew that whoever got him needed him more than I did.”

Wells and her parents, Daris and Lisa, got Quincy the full-blooded German Shepherd from McDonald’s Kennels in Hamilton. Wells had been with Quincy since he was a 2-month-old puppy, and she said letting him go wasn’t an easy thing to do.

“My mom took him initially (to the drop off),” said Wells. “I couldn’t make myself go for the drop off. The ceremony was a few months later because of time taken for training and the interview process to ensure he got the best possible new owner.

“Before Paul officially received him, I was able to spend a few minutes alone with him outside on a short walk. I know it sounds crazy, but I gave him one last talk – sort of like what a parent gives a son or daughter before releasing them into the world. I also gave him hug and got him to perform one of the tricks I taught him.”

Since Wells dropped Quincy off, she said she has received multiple updates about him from Paul. She said she has also seen many posts on Instagram.

Paul Gregg, Quincy’s new owner, is a Gulf War Veteran. He suffers from PTSD and nightmares and has told Wells that since he started sleeping with Quincy, he has gotten some of the best sleep he’s had in a long time.

While Wells said she is so glad she was able to help Paul and Quincy find each other, she’s not sure she would recommend doing what she did.

“Don’t get me wrong; I am exceedingly glad that all of this happened and that I was able to help someone who has done so much for our country, but it was very hard giving Quincy up.”

The organization 2 Vets on a Mission frequently posts on Instagram @2VetsOAM. There people can see updates on Paul and Quincy’s journey spreading awareness together.