In a heartwarming example of resilience and community connection, a Winona veteran and her service dog are making a quiet but powerful impact. Susie Marshall, a United States Air Force veteran, and her service dog, Zira, have found a new mission beyond military service—bringing comfort and joy to children and churchgoers at Pleasant Valley Church. Their story, recognized by the national Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Still Serving campaign, highlights the healing power of service animals and the strength of the human-animal bond.
Marshall, who served as a casualty officer in the Air Force, was matched with Zira through local humane societies after the dog was rescued from an abusive environment. Despite suffering lasting injuries to her knees and tail, Zira has a calm and affectionate demeanor that has endeared her to many. Marshall participated in Zira’s service dog training, and the two have worked together since Zira was 18 months old. Now six years old, Zira not only supports Marshall but also plays a vital role in their shared community outreach.
The duo’s presence at Pleasant Valley Church has become a cherished part of Sunday mornings. Zira greets church members at the door, often alongside Marshall as she prepares classrooms and activities for Sunday school. This regular interaction has helped foster a sense of belonging for Marshall, who shared that before finding this role, she had felt isolated and afraid. “I was so alone,” she said. “Today… I think that I found my place in the world.”
One of the most meaningful aspects of their service has been their participation in the church’s summer program, Camp Awesome. During the program, Zira provided emotional support to children who needed a break, were injured, or felt overwhelmed. Children’s Director Kirsten Reynolds noted that Zira’s presence helped calm children experiencing big emotions or sensory overload. “It was really fun to see how quickly kids would calm down,” she said. “A lot of kids just felt very comforted by her.”
I found this detail striking: children who had fallen and were crying would often stop before a Band-aid was even applied—just from being near Zira. It’s a testament to the emotional support animals can offer, particularly those like Zira, who have themselves overcome trauma. Reynolds hopes that the children’s experiences with Zira will inspire families to consider the calming benefits of pets in their own homes.
Marshall has seen firsthand how Zira’s gentle nature affects others. Describing her as “chill” and “so loving,” Marshall emphasized Zira’s ability to stay calm and comforting in any situation. “That’s what I want [people] to know,” she said. “How comforting she is, how sweet she is and how she doesn’t get upset about anything.”
Being honored by the VFW brought a meaningful sense of camaraderie for Marshall. She reflected on how she once wished she could do something special with Zira beyond their personal bond. Now, through their work at the church and with children, she feels that Zira has found a broader purpose. “That makes me happy,” she said.
The recognition from the VFW’s Still Serving campaign not only validates Marshall’s continued commitment to service but also shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of veterans in their communities. Through her work with Zira, Marshall exemplifies how veterans continue to serve long after their military careers have ended—this time, in ways that bring comfort, healing, and joy to others.
Marshall’s journey with Zira also illustrates the transformative power of community. At a recent church potluck, attendees brought carrots—Zira’s favorite treat—demonstrating how deeply the pair have been embraced. For Marshall, this acceptance has been life-changing. “When I see people so happy to see her, it makes me happy that they’ve accepted her,” she said.
As more people witness the positive effects of service animals like Zira, there is growing awareness of the emotional and social benefits they can provide—not just to their handlers but to entire communities. The story of Susie Marshall and Zira is a reminder of the quiet ways in which service, compassion, and resilience can ripple outward, touching lives and building bridges of understanding and care.
