Dog Bless You

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.

Often times people wonder if we pick our pets or if they pick us. In this case Yvette felt that Blondie chose her. “When I met her she walked pretty easy on a leash for me and she sat down and leaned into me as if to say she approved of me.” This simple action became the tie that turned a former shelter dog into a service dog in training.

Yvette served in the Army for 11 years. She was a mechanic for the first six years and then moved on to specializing in IT and logistics administration. She served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Blondie is a yellow lab that was placed with Yvette in February. They starter training in March and already passed the Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC).  She is taking to training very well and Yvette feels confident they will graduate in the fall.  

For now when Yvette has to leave Blondie at home she waits by the door until she returns, at which time she immediately rolls over so Yvette can scratch her belly when she arrives. Soon they will pass the stage in training where Blondie will be able to accompany Yvette everywhere and she won’t be stuck waiting at the door for her to come home.

When Mac was asked how long he has had Cal, his new black lab mix from the Yavapai Humane Society, he responded, “I had him for 3 weeks and it has been three of the best weeks I have had in a long time.” Needless to say they are off to a good start! 

Mac served in the US Army for eight and half years as a combat engineer. He completed three one-year tours in Iraq where his primary job was to find and clear (a.k.a. detonate or disable) IED’s (commonly known as roadside bombs). 

Cal has already made a trip to California while living with Mac. After that he never left Mac’s side. Mac says Cal is very eager to please and picks up on everything he’s taught very quickly. He hopes they will graduate in the fall from Soldier’s Best Friend.

Kevin and Chase were paired up just two short months ago, but quickly established a forever partnership. Chase was rescued from the Arizona Humane Society as Nugget.

Kevin and his family spent their New Year back east being awarded a new home from Chase bank. He changed Nugget’s name to Chase as a tribute to the generous contribution they made to him and his family.

Kevin was active USMC for four years. He did tours in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. During the time when he served he was assigned to 0311 Infantry.

Kevin knew Chase with the right dog shortly after bringing him home. He said, “He makes me feel better when I am around him,” and that was before training even started.

Although Chase is dedicated to Kevin and being his service dog he is also a member of the family. Kevin told us he is so obedient and gentle that his two year old can already command him to sit, down and stay.

Training with Soldier’s Best Friend has been going very well for this pairing and they are excited about graduating and getting Chases’ service dog vest in the near future.