Dog guides wounded airman to freedom

LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) - A Los Lunas Airmen, blinded and nearly killed by an IED attack in Afghanistan, has been given a gift that is giving him back his independence.

The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation has donated a German shepherd named Xxon to Senior Airmen Michael Malarsie.

Malarsie, who was injured on Jan. 3, 2010, said it's a gift that has brought him freedom.

"It's exciting," he said. "A couple days ago I went on my first walk totally by myself. I realized halfway through that this is great. I haven't been able to do this for so long."

Malarsie was among six service members injure when the improvised explosive device detonated. He said even though he lost his sight, he is happy to be alive.

"It's just being blind." Malarsie said. "I am so lucky just to be alive. Just being blind is such a small thing. I am not going to let it slow me down."

Malarsie, whose wife is expecting their second child in April, said he's happy not to rely so heavily on his family.

Watch video of veteran Michael Malarsie as he walks with his guide dog, Xxon:

Guide dog being trained to help soldier: krqe.com

Becky Cook a placement specialist with Fidelco, said choosing Malarsie as a client was easy.

"He was just perfect for us," she said. "It was a perfect fit."

Cook said Malarsie contacted them a few months ago, and with the help of a generous donation from the Newman's Own Foundation, Fidelco was able to provide a dog free of cost to Malarsie.

"I've worked here for 15 years, and you just really know you are doing the right thing when after all those years you get chocked up hearing a client's story or seeing them walk away from you for the first time," Cook said.

The dog, which is almost 2 years old, has undergone eight months of intense training in Connecticut and is now being trained for two weeks with Malarsie at his home in Los Lunas.