Our Service Dog Teams
“The first thing the doctor suggested was MS,” Jon said. “I was shocked.” A spinal tap confirmed the diagnosis, and in a matter of months, Jon’s health declined quickly. He went from avid outdoorsman to relying on a cane for every step, and soon, depression rolled in like a fog.
Jon was matched with Elliot. They trained together for about a month before Jon brought Elliot back to his home, working mostly on balance and posture, but planning for the day when Elliot will do much more for Jon to ease the symptoms of MS still to come. Though he was initially worried about the commitment, Jon realizes now he had nothing to fear – Elliot’s great at home and in public.
Elliot goes with Jon to work every day. Jon’s staff was immediately smitten. More importantly, they noticed Jon’s posture improve right away. He has Elliot for support when he needs it, and the handle helps with balance. As for Jon’s state of mind, he’s happily finding his new normal, with Elliot by his side every step of the way.
Carrie, an EMT, found herself on scene a dark night in October 1995. This was not just another shift; she was responding to a shooting which led to an on-duty death of a law enforcement officer. After this chaotic night, everything changed for Carrie. She developed PTSD and by 1996 her symptoms forced her to leave her beloved job as an EMS first responder.
Thanks to service dog Dallas, Carrie is able to enjoy some of the things in life she used to love. Going out to eat with friends, visiting museums, and even geocaching, are all within her grasp yet again.
“I’m happy with all of my progress but there is much more to make. I know that as Dallas and I continue to train I will regain even more independence and happiness. I can’t wait to see all that my future has to hold! I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me along my journey...”
When Ken came back from Vietnam in 1969, there was no welcome at all. Out of place and disconnected, Ken retreated into the shadows, and was later diagnosed with PTSD. The people who knew him best pushed Ken to apply for a PTSD service dog.
Ken’s story of meeting Fiona is pure gold: “She has blonde fur, big brown eyes, and long legs. We were paired up for the night to see how that worked out, and it did!” Almost immediately, Ken’s anxiety, panic attacks, and quick temper lessened. He and Fiona are venturing out more, something Ken dreaded for years, and if he pauses, she puts her paw on his foot to reassure him. She never leaves his side.
“She puts a smile on my face every day. I am a socially better equipped person since Fiona picked me as her companion. I can now cope with being out in public. Although, I still experience anxiety and an occasional panic attack, my furry friend is always at my side so I simply reach down and pet her which grounds me. Her loyalty knows no limits."
“PTSD is a silent, cunning, and oppressive killing force that robs you of your sanity, and your constant fight for survival is an act of sheer courage that leaves you mentally depleted, physically exhausted, and feeling so completely alone and questioning why you chose to come home or choose to live.” That's how Kate describes post-traumatic stress.
Therapy started helping. Not immediately, not without monumental effort. The idea of a PTSD-trained service dog came up and Kate was hopeful. She was paired with service dog Buckshot.
“Every once in awhile, a dog enters your life and saves it. He is confident and relaxed when I cannot be; absorbs anxiety and depression by leaning in close and reminding me he’s here and I’m present in the moment; watches my back and blocks when someone approaches; quiets my nightmares by laying his head on my chest. He is the barrier that allows me to be confident rather than small.”
An Army veteran with eight years of service under his belt, Anthony now deals with PTSD, TBI, depression, and insomnia to name a few. Anthony was struggling to engage with his family, friends, and social activities – just going out in public is a struggle.
“I stopped talking to all family members and friends I had once associated with,” he told us. “In the beginning, I didn’t know what I was going through, thinking it was just something that would eventually go away, but the anxiety and fear just continued to get worse.” Anthony felt isolated and alone, unable to be part of his kids’ lives or even, really, his own life.
Anthony and service dog Tipper were paired and worked hard to complete their team training. Anthony admitted the training was very stressful, but he “managed to graduate with a few extra days, and get a little more comfortable in public settings.” He is enjoying life with his new wingman: “We’re back in the groove. Blessed to have him by my side.”
