Page 735 - Total War on PTSD

She will often alert me before my responses go too far. She is always by my side, so I feel more confident and safer. If I fall due to a balance issue or headache, she will lick my face, paw me or even lay on me. When I have nightmares, she senses my fear and will lick me and press her body against me.
Roman was my first Service Dog. He was already seven years old and a rescue when I got him. I was his last hope as he was considered unadoptable. Both of us were considered somewhat unique and he had been through serious neglect and abuse. We really bonded. He passed away three years later, and he is sorely missed. I trained my own Service Dog. I started a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the goal of providing Service Dogs training for Veterans. Our trainers are all qualified and certified for Service Dog training. Our Veterans have many challenges and we certainly understand their needs.
My time in the military had some pitfalls, speed-bumps and more than a few surprises. I am proud to be an Army Veteran and the benefits and experience has led me to where I am in my life now. Annie, my Service Dog, has been a life-changer for me. I have had animals my entire life and never realized how my animals rescued me.
I am also proud to share that my granddaughter recently joined the Army and will be in the Patriot Missile Project. She has seen my involvement with Veterans and was a dog trainer here at the Service Dog Training Center until her enlistment. She has followed in my footsteps and I honor her. She is stronger, smarter and better prepared than I was 50 years ago. I hope I have been a positive influence on her and her life choices.
735 of 1042