After years of struggle and pain caused by the severe head injury I received in service, I had lost hope in ever finding relief from my symptoms. My family was burdened with becoming an intensive care team for me because of the migraines. Going to the grocery store became too much as I struggled with several mental health issues, most of which was PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). I struggled to adapt back to the civilian world and was left rejected by the military world. I lost my squad and felt alone. I tried every day to carve out a future for me and my family, though I felt that I was always coming up short.

I tried nearly every treatment offered to me. On the suggestion from the best military nurse I had, Miss Vicky, I spent 2 years looking into adding a service dog to the family care team to assist me. After the disheartening realization that service dogs are incredibly expensive and most services I looked into rented you a service dog like medical equipment, I looked to JLAD (Joys of Assisted Living Dogs) for one last ditch effort to see if it was possible to receive the extra care I needed. After a brief phone call, I was informed that JLAD viewed service dogs the way that I did; as a partner, not an item. It was a relief to me. After an application for a donation of a service dog, and a lovely home visit to ensure the situation was a good fit for me and a pup, I was informed I would be put on a wait list. I was ecstatic to hear back sooner than expected. A team from Honoring Heros had sponsored, well, my Hero. I first met Hero in October. He is the smartest and cuddliest dog I have ever known. I remember fondly when we first met, to see if we would be a good fit, he sat on my foot and leaned against my leg. He chose me and that, let me tell you, is a one-of-a-kind feeling. The team clapped their hands and stated, “well that settles that,” and I began training with him. Due to my unique situation, JLAD worked with me to pair us together ASAP and got me the extra training I needed all at once. Hero and I have been working together since his 2nd birthday. He changed my life little by little. Slowly, I was able to go outside, and going to class became easier. And, to his achievement, I walked at my graduation ceremony. That was something I didn’t think I would be able to do. Completing college was difficult, and I don’t do so well in crowds anymore. Hero made that possible. He changed my life. I called my mom a month into having him and she cried saying, “this was the first time she had heard her son again after 6 years.” Hero eased me back into being a part of my family, my community. He helped me walk towards a future to look forward to and let my family breathe easy knowing that I have watchful caring eyes on me wherever Hero and I go. I cannot thank the team at JLAD enough. From the trainers, the socializers, the office staff and the program leaders. This team is special with a vision to help everyone in their wake. They will forever have my biggest thanks, and my deepest gratitude. Thank you for helping this veteran find his squad again.

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