A disabled U.S. veteran couldn’t find steady work because he relied on his service dog — until a Lowe’s store in Texas decided to hire both of them.
After three deployments and multiple knee surgeries, former Air Force Staff Sergeant Clay Luthy was medically retired and needed his service dog, Charlotte, by his side at all times. That made job hunting nearly impossible. Most employers didn’t know how to accommodate a working dog in the workplace.
Everything changed the day Clay walked into a Lowe’s in Abilene, Texas, for an interview. According to store manager Jay Fellers, Clay showed up with Charlotte at his side, fully honest about his needs. When he asked whether bringing her to work would be an issue, the answer was immediate: “Absolutely not. We already have service dogs working throughout Lowe’s.”
A few weeks later, Clay was hired — and Charlotte received her own little Lowe’s vest to wear on the job.
In a CBS interview, Clay explained that Lowe’s helps make his shifts comfortable by assigning him to areas like paint, where Charlotte can rest beside him. After ten years together, Charlotte can sense changes in Clay’s condition before he even realizes them. “Instead of medication, I have Charlotte,” he said. “She alerts before anything happens.”
For many veterans, service dogs are more than emotional support — they’re life-changing medical partners. Research published in JAMA Network Open found that veterans paired with service dogs experienced significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, better sleep, fewer panic attacks, and greater emotional stability.
Customers quickly fell in love with the duo. A shopper named Judy Dechert Rose posted a photo of Clay and Charlotte in their matching vests, celebrating Lowe’s for hiring them both. The picture went viral before the post was later removed. According to Fellers, “Customers love Charlotte and Clay. Regulars stop by just to see her.”
For Clay, this job represents much more than income. “I can’t stand sitting at home. Having a routine, being around people, and having Charlotte with me — it’s the best of both worlds,” he said. He’s also training a younger dog, Lola, who will eventually take over when Charlotte retires.
Until then, Clay and Charlotte walking the aisles together serve as a powerful reminder that small acts of inclusivity can transform a life. “I’m blessed,” Clay said. “Lowe’s gave me the opportunity to work and keep my best friend by my side. That means everything.”
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