“I first met Derek when we were both new to the United States Marine Corps,” reminisced Shawn Simonet. “He was fiercely driven. Equally intelligent. Capable of jumping over ten-foot-high fences as easily as you or I could climb stairs. Truly a Belgian Malinois the Corps could be proud of.
“But like me, Derek was still green. Although he had received all the proper training, he still lacked enough confidence to be an effective control dog. He also had a weaker bite than any other dog in my unit – which, as any Marine K9 handler would tell you, is not good.
“I devoted myself to making Derek the greatest dog he could be. I even moved my cot into the kennel so we could spend as much time training together as possible. Little by little, his hesitation was replaced by complete confidence and focus. He eventually developed the strongest bite in my unit as well.
“Derek was trained as a narcotics detection dog, but he was also used for patrol work and SWAT entries. Thankfully, there were very few times when his protection abilities needed to be fully utilized, but I was always comforted knowing he was beside me if things ever went bad.
“Technically speaking, military working dogs are classified as equipment. But to me, Derek was like a fellow Marine. The bond we forged lifted both of us up. It has continued to strengthen me long after his passing.
“And that’s why I love Helping Paws. While the Eden Prairie nonprofit’s golden retrievers and Labs probably wouldn’t cut it in the Marines, the bonds they form with veterans and first responders living with service-related PTSD are no less extraordinary than the one Derek and I shared. I can’t tell you how many vets have gained the same confidence, independence, and constant companionship they needed to reengage with the world thanks to Helping Paws’ miraculous assistance dogs. And their benefits to people with physical disabilities? They’re no less inspiring!
“It has been a privilege to host multiple fundraisers for Helping Paws at Motorwerks BMW. All we really have to do is provide the space they need to introduce their lovely ambassador dogs to the general public, as well as provide a little family-friendly entertainment. It’s always a knockout hit with guests! Our support for Helping Paws also extends outside of our dealership every time we participate in their annual Paws In Motion 5K.
“When my wife and I say our prayers with our little girls before bed, I always ask them two questions about their day. What’s the one thing you’re most proud of? And who did you lift up? Upon reflection, they learn the same great lesson the Marine Corps taught me all those years ago: that service to others is everything.
“To that end, I thank Helping Paws for helping me make that value a part of Motorwerks BMW’s DNA. Selling and servicing the finest vehicles ever made would have been rewarding enough on its own. But doing it in a way that also gives back to people, and strengthens our community? That’s an even better feeling.”
Do you own a business? Then you can help Helping Paws make even more angels. Call (952) 988-9359 today to learn more about a golden opportunity to give back!
HelpingPaws.org | MotorwerksBMW.com
“It has been a privilege to host multiple fundraisers for Helping Paws at Motorwerks BMW."
"Selling and servicing the finest vehicles ever made would have been rewarding enough on its own. But doing it in a way that also gives back to people, and strengthens our community? That’s an even better feeling.”