In the face of profound loss, some find solace in unexpected companions. For Jillian Hinton, a Gold Star family member, that companion came in the form of Kylo, a two-year-old black lab. This service dog, provided by Dogs Inc., has become an integral part of Hinton’s journey to healing after losing her husband in 2017.
Kylo is notably the first canine placed with a Gold Star family through Dogs Inc., an organization dedicated to training service dogs. Hinton, along with her daughter Kayleigh, faced the daunting challenge of coping with the void left by her husband’s passing. The introduction of Taylor, a therapy dog, in 2020 marked a turning point for Kayleigh, significantly uplifting her spirits.
Recognizing the therapeutic impact Taylor had on her daughter, Hinton sought a similar companion for herself. Kylo’s arrival on October 8, 2025, marked the beginning of a new chapter in her healing process. “He ran into the room as if he had been running towards me his whole life,” Hinton recalled to Military.com. “This dog was so excited. He came right up to me, gave me the hug cue, and draped himself on me. I kind of just melted into him.”
Dog Helps Heal Daughter
Hinton shared her daughter’s struggles with grief, recounting how Kayleigh sought ways to reunite with her late father. Despite counseling, it was Taylor, another black lab from Dogs Inc., who truly connected with Kayleigh. “Taylor didn’t want anything from her,” Hinton explained. Instead, the dog offered unconditional love and presence.
Before Taylor’s arrival, Kayleigh’s anxiety was overwhelming, causing her to sleep under her bed out of fear. The therapy dog’s presence gave her the courage to overcome her fears, allowing her to sleep in her bed once more. “Taylor came, and she did what I was unable to do. It brought Kayleigh back to me,” Hinton remarked.
Kayleigh’s emotional journey faced another hurdle when her brother Christian enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 2024, following in their father’s footsteps. His departure reignited Kayleigh’s anxiety, but Taylor remained a steadfast source of comfort.
Accident Changes Everything
Jillian Hinton’s husband, Terrance, an Army sergeant stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, was a dedicated family man who tragically lost his life during a training exercise. The investigation revealed that the Army vehicle he was in exceeded its weight capacity, leading to catastrophic brake failure. Terrance’s last words were to the young driver beside him: “Hey, take us to the left, we’re going for a ride.”
The aftermath of the accident brought a lengthy investigation, probing into Terrance’s actions and circumstances leading up to the incident. This process, often perceived as discrediting, added to Hinton’s grief. Despite providing evidence to support her husband’s innocence, the graphic nature of the investigation left lasting scars.
Hinton recalls the images vividly: “For years, those pictures have played in my mind, and they flash between wonderful pictures of family memories and pictures of his death.” The trauma left her grappling with anxiety and fear of the unknown.
Kylo’s Effect
Kylo’s presence has brought newfound peace to Hinton’s life. Despite initial doubts about her worthiness to receive a service dog, she found reassurance in Dogs Inc.’s belief in her deservingness. Kylo has joined Hinton on various public appearances, offering comfort when she shares her story.
“I sat down on a chair, and he just rested his head on me,” Hinton recalled of her first speech with Kylo. His presence reminded her she no longer had to bear the burden alone. “He brought me right back to the parts of the speech I was giving and brought me back from some of the parts that are triggers for me.”
Through her journey with Kylo, Hinton has found a pathway to healing and a sense of empowerment in sharing her story. “Thank you, Kylo. You have no idea how much I’ve needed this and how long I’ve been waiting for you,” she expressed, reflecting on the profound impact of her canine companion.
