Posts tagged animals

Winning the Hardest Battle

For five years after returning from the war I battled my demons every day, pushing away my family and friends and living in denial of my problems. It has been 18 months since being connected with Slider, my service dog from K9s For Warriors. In that time, I have gotten back my family and developed some abilities to cope with the affects of PTSD. Slider has helped me along with my lovely wife Carol of 20 years, who has provided unconditional love and support by staying by my side as I deal with the demons I fight with daily. 

Slider has shown me how to love again and appreciate people close to me. He does not judge me or hold anything against me, but accepts me for who I am. I cannot thank the folks at K9s for giving me not only a tool, but also a friend for life and my family back. The continued support from K9s is always there and truly from their hearts.

Posted 12 hours ago

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Loyal Milo has taken on the task of being a guide dog for his blind older “brother,” a Labrador retriever named Eddie. Eddie wears a shield to protect his eyes from twigs and other objects that he can’t see. “Without Milo, Eddie would be lost,” said Milo and Eddie’s owner. Read more here.

Loyal Milo has taken on the task of being a guide dog for his blind older “brother,” a Labrador retriever named Eddie. Eddie wears a shield to protect his eyes from twigs and other objects that he can’t see. “Without Milo, Eddie would be lost,” said Milo and Eddie’s owner. Read more here.

Posted 1 day ago

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Letter from a Veteran and His Service Dog Dear Charlie Annenberg (founder of Dog Bless You), I have been the proud keeper of a beautiful black Labrador for the last several months; this has been the courtesy of Soldier’s Best Friend through their work with PTSD patients. It’s my understanding he is about 2.5 years old.  I don’t really know how to write this letter but I think the best way is from my heart: THANK YOU!  I cannot begin to tell you what this dog (I named him Sundance) means to me. I’m a Vietnam-era veteran and as such did not know I was even suffering from PTSD; actually I don’t think the term had been created yet. I served about two years with the U.S. Army up on the DMZ with North Korea in Army Intelligence. It appears my troubles began during these years and after my military service I entered Colorado State University. I graduated there but it was quite a struggle. I struggled with personal relationships also. But to make a long story short I eventually visited with a psychiatrist in the early 90’s. He had spent time over in Vietnam himself helping young soldiers get through their depression. It did not take him long to diagnose me with PTSD. Every psychiatrist (including the VA) has said the same thing. How does Sundance help me? Well, for one thing there is unconditional love and although we are still in training he will definitely help me within crowded situations. He fetches things around the house and other chores and I have to tell you we are real “buddies.” Sundance is a wonderfully bred dog; gentle but protective and all with a smile on his face.  But enough about me - when I heard the history of Sundance, I was overwhelmed by the person-to-person generosity you have displayed. It is simply exemplary and I congratulate you on your humanity. The world is a better place because of your existence. You and I will probably never meet but let me tell you what a wonderful role model you are.  May I live up to your standard! Sincerely, Norm G.

Letter from a Veteran and His Service Dog

Dear Charlie Annenberg (founder of Dog Bless You),

I have been the proud keeper of a beautiful black Labrador for the last several months; this has been the courtesy of Soldier’s Best Friend through their work with PTSD patients. It’s my understanding he is about 2.5 years old. 

I don’t really know how to write this letter but I think the best way is from my heart: THANK YOU! 

I cannot begin to tell you what this dog (I named him Sundance) means to me. I’m a Vietnam-era veteran and as such did not know I was even suffering from PTSD; actually I don’t think the term had been created yet. I served about two years with the U.S. Army up on the DMZ with North Korea in Army Intelligence. It appears my troubles began during these years and after my military service I entered Colorado State University. I graduated there but it was quite a struggle.

I struggled with personal relationships also. But to make a long story short I eventually visited with a psychiatrist in the early 90’s. He had spent time over in Vietnam himself helping young soldiers get through their depression. It did not take him long to diagnose me with PTSD. Every psychiatrist (including the VA) has said the same thing.

How does Sundance help me? Well, for one thing there is unconditional love and although we are still in training he will definitely help me within crowded situations. He fetches things around the house and other chores and I have to tell you we are real “buddies.” Sundance is a wonderfully bred dog; gentle but protective and all with a smile on his face. 

But enough about me - when I heard the history of Sundance, I was overwhelmed by the person-to-person generosity you have displayed. It is simply exemplary and I congratulate you on your humanity. The world is a better place because of your existence.

You and I will probably never meet but let me tell you what a wonderful role model you are. 

May I live up to your standard!

Sincerely,

Norm G.

Posted 2 days ago

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Another Update from Luther, Guide Dog in Training I went on a big shopping trip today! Here I am at Sam’s, where I made a bunch of new friends. I’m getting pretty good at ignoring distractions like these funny alligator doggie treats!

Another Update from Luther, Guide Dog in Training

I went on a big shopping trip today! Here I am at Sam’s, where I made a bunch of new friends. I’m getting pretty good at ignoring distractions like these funny alligator doggie treats!

Posted 3 days ago

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Duvall, a black lab/golden retriever mix trained by Canine Companions for Independence, offers comfort to child victims as they testify in court or speak with investigators. Sometimes the best comfort in challenging situations is a therapy dog - they ask no questions and have only love to offer. Read more about Duvall’s work here.

Duvall, a black lab/golden retriever mix trained by Canine Companions for Independence, offers comfort to child victims as they testify in court or speak with investigators. Sometimes the best comfort in challenging situations is a therapy dog - they ask no questions and have only love to offer. Read more about Duvall’s work here.

Posted 4 days ago

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