At 13 years old, Vader is more than just a beloved pet, he is a treasured member of the Swanson family and a true neighborhood icon. A Greyhound mix with soulful eyes and a dignified presence, Vader’s story began when Gregg Swanson rescued him as a puppy. The runt of his litter and the last one left, Vader immediately stole Gregg’s heart.

Vader’s early years were spent in service, literally. Gregg, a military veteran, trained Vader to be his service animal, a role he carried out with remarkable dedication and intelligence. One of his most impressive tricks is knowing the difference between left and right, performing a variety of commands with precision.

These days, life is a little slower for Vader. Age has brought arthritis, and his care now includes monthly vet visits for pain management and a special diet of fresh, whole foods. His zest for life has not dimmed, and he still enjoys the love and companionship of his family and his best canine friend, Finnigan, Gregg’s mom’s dog.

For Gregg, there are no downsides to having Vader. “He’s part of our family and loves us unconditionally,” Gregg says. The hardest moments are when travel requires leaving Vader behind, but the joy of coming home to him always outweighs the sadness.

In Gregg’s words, “Dogs are a blessing, and sometimes I think humans don’t deserve them.” Here in Wolf Ranch, we are lucky that Vader and Gregg found each other, giving our community a daily reminder of loyalty, service, and unconditional love.