LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) — An Iraq war veteran has officially been handed the leash for his service dog Marlee, making him his official owner. 

The three-year-old Poodle has changed the life of his human Joe Cipriano, a United States Marine Corps Veteran. 

Cipriano is helping also helping his dog overcome his own challenging past. 

PIX11 Photojournalist Keith Lopez has the full story in the video player.