TU to Present “A New Leash on Life” on Nov. 6

In remembrance of Veterans Day, Tiffin University will present “A New Leash on Life” featuring Louis (Louie) Belluomini and his service dog, Star, on Wed., November 6 at 5 p.m. in Chisholm Auditorium located inside of Franks Hall on TU's campus. Belluomini will discuss stereotypes and myths about service dogs and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Tiffin University’s Diane Kidd Gallery will host a question and answer (Q&A) session with Belluomini along with the opening reception of “One Soldier’s PTSD Story,” an exhibition of drawings by G.A. Hunt, a retired U.S. Army Major, immediately following Belluomini’s presentation. The gallery is located inside of the Hayes Center for the Arts on TU’s campus. Light refreshments will be served and the public is encouraged to attend both events free of charge. Reservations are not required. 

About Louie Belluomini

Louie served in the Army for 9 years, as a psychological operations specialist and a military police officer. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 2015 after serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Belluomini suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a traumatic brain injury after his deployments and decided to pursue a treatment plan involving a K9. Belluomini and Star, a golden retriever were paired together by K9s for Warriors.

Louie has worked as a paramedic in the local communities for the past 13 years and currently works at Hanco EMS in Findlay, Ohio and as a paramedic at Putnam County EMS in Ottawa, Ohio. Louie has worked as a flight medic in his career and has deployed to Hurricane Katrina as a paramedic. Belluomini and Star are side-by-side every day; Star works on the ambulance with him and is constantly attending to Louie's needs. Star is the first dog in the country to actively work on an ambulance with her handler. Star is cross-trained to track and search for people in case they have a lost victim they respond to.

For additional information, contact the Director of Veterans and Military Services Denise Burkin, burkind@tiffin.edu or call 419.448.3340.