Three days after getting Oreo, she started picking up on my anxiety and would push against my leg. And so, it began.  Oreo gave me the security I so desperately needed and the chance for a new life started coming into view. She wakes me up when I have nightmares and protects my space when we are in public.

‍

Although I face more surgeries, my quality of life has greatly improved, which is due to finding Oreo and the selfless gift from the SD4V sponsors. The fact they cared enough to donate saved both mine and Oreo’s lives.

‍

Oreo watches my back when in public and brings my anxiety down when needed. The SD4V staff gave all the support anyone could ask for, helping us finish our training and get out of the house. Oreo gets really excited when the leash and vest come out, and words cannot describe how much my life has improved.

‍

Anyone needing help with PTSD should know that this group is the best thing for you. It’s a fantastic program that gives you freedom and security, two things everyone needs but most of us have lost.

The day Hurricane Helene hit, my excitement to begin Service Dog training spurred me over downed power lines, through the surrounding chaos and destruction to pick up a new puppy. Cassian curled up in my lap, immediately easing the stress and calming me. He has given me the tools to regain confidence to live more independently. From day one, Cassian has been doing the work without ever being asked, becoming an incredible part of my healing journey.

‍

During the early days of training, my husband Chris and I went for a hike through the woods. When I fell, Cassian refused to leave my side. That’s when I knew we were a team. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and when I return home after a stressful shift as an ER nurse, he senses it and comes right to me. Cassian is replacing my Emotional Support husband when Chris cannot be there.

‍

I no longer shut myself off, but venture to flea markets and even attended the Renaissance Festival. Trainer Cassidy is helping me navigate HR at work to get approval for Cassian to be there with me. And when we discovered he has a fear of bicycles, she suggested we have my son ride his bike around him to desensitize him. When the weather would get bad, the trainers called to check up on us. That consistent level of support has been amazing.

‍

Tasks Cassian has learned have given me freedom, peace, and the ability to fully engage in life again.

Although we were excited that I was going to start training at SD4V, Bella threw a hiccup by being pregnant. We nurtured her 7 puppies until she was free to begin training.

‍

My wife Suzanne was surprised that the organization encouraged using rescued dogs. Bella initially didn’t even know how to play when we got her. The level of support was great, going as far as creating changes in the whole program for us. When I struggled with the homework, SD4V color coded it to make it easier for me to follow. Now, they provide that for others in the program.

‍

Suzanne says, “Kirk would never leave the house, but now he can go anywhere if Bella is by his side. We even went to Dollywood and to a Clemson game. He could never have gone to a game if it were not for Bella, and we found the people at Clemson were welcoming.”

‍

Bella is a hyper, playful dog at home, however, when she’s in public with her vest, she’s calm. Suzanne and I are happy we saved Bella while she saved me. I would advise others to use patience. We waited to find the right program and then to find the right dog. SD4V is more than just a dog training program, it’s there to help Veterans improve their lives.

‍

“The biggest thing is that nothing stops me now. It’s been a long time coming.”

My neighbors had a Golden Retriever that would sense I was having a rough day and come to comfort me. She made me realize I needed a dog to help me, and during that time, my therapist suggested a Service Dog. When the person who originally wanted Sadie didn’t pick her up, I knew I wanted to take her home. She was shy and off to the side causing me to think she was right for me.

‍

Working through the training process has significantly helped our bond make a real difference in my life. Support from trainers, my neighbors and friends help me navigate things I’ve avoided for years. I’ve never been to my grandson’s baseball or soccer games. I’ll be able to go now. “We’ve got this!” With Sadie by my side there is a sense of calm I didn’t realize I could ever feel again.

‍

When Sadie performs the task Snuggle at night, it helps me to fall asleep and sleep through the night. She also calms me when the nightmares start. I no longer wake trying to flee. She will put one paw under my neck, the other around my shoulder, and her head on top of mine as if she’s holding me in a big hug.

‍

Financial support from donors, and emotional support from those in the organization not only changes lives but saves them. One Veteran’s Advocate made a meaningful difference when she reminded me to breathe during class. The SD4V mission helps veterans like me move forward with strength and hope.

My rescued dog Ranger was crazy at first, climbing walls and eating everything; sand, mulch, whatever, causing me to think I should give him back. But as training began, Ranger became the catalyst I needed to participate in life again. One night, he climbed into bed with me and put his head on my chest. That’s when I knew we were connected.

‍

Tasks Ranger performs, like Center, calm me. He sits between my legs looking up at me reassuring me he is there and I am safe. I now have the confidence to be around other people. In the past, when in a restaurant, I was on edge, watching everyone around me and trying to get out as quickly as possible. Ranger helps me slow down and enjoy the experience, like most people do. Now, I can accept a hug, which used to make me so uncomfortable.

‍

There have been many changes in my daily life due to our teamwork. I can even go into busy Greenville. A road trip to Alaska will hopefully be in our future. Since my wife doesn’t want to go, Ranger will be my travel partner. Support from my family and everyone at the training center was really helpful. I could go to SD4V even when there were no classes for help with any areas where we struggled. And it’s been good for Ranger to be around other dogs. He now ignores the rescue opossums and squirrels we have at home.

‍

“I would tell anyone considering the program how it has had a profound impact and changed my life, helping me to find joy again.” They should do it, 100% do it. The process works. Ranger and I are now an effective team looking out for each other.

I actually found Rose by accident, and we bonded instantly, but it was through SD4V that our bond turned into a life-saving partnership.

‍

The training process gave me a sense of calm I didn’t realize I could feel again. One of the most impactful parts of the program was learning specific tasks like 'Center,' where Rose stands between my legs to create a safe space, and 'Snuggle,' which helps ground me and bring me back to reality when things get heavy. These tasks might seem small to some, but to a Veteran, they are the difference between staying isolated and moving forward with confidence.

‍

A turning point for us was during the second week of class. I watched Rose start to take the training seriously, and I realized, 'This is working.' Later, while we were at my lake house, I saw her shift instantly from being 'wild' to being a focused professional the moment I put her training collar on. She was happy to have a job to do.

‍

Before this program, I kept my struggles bottled up. Now, Rose gives me something to focus on, so I’m not just stuck 'in my head.' I’m talking more and hiding less. Because of the generous donors who support SD4V, I can look forward to things that used to feel out of reach—like going to the grocery store, spending time with my family, and traveling.

‍

To the donors and the team: Thank you for believing in this mission. Your support doesn’t just change lives—it saves them."

Although there were positives about my time in the Army Reserves where I trained as a Specialist in explosive detection, creation, detonation, and disposal, the negative experiences stayed with me long after leaving the military. I struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and hypervigilance that caused me to quickly fall into a deep sense of isolation and depression.

‍

When Cooper came into my life three years ago, he quickly became a source of comfort, stability, and companionship. Once we started training at SD4V, we developed an even deeper connection. I gained the confidence to navigate situations that once triggered intense anxiety. Cooper already detects my panic attacks and quickly moves in to ground me. He’s smarter than me and extremely helpful.

‍

I’m excited to travel with Cooper by my side. His presence will prevent the episodes I experience without him. Having a Cooper as my Service Dog is extremely helpful, and I’m already talking to other Veterans, encouraging them to come to SD4V.

Training through the SD4V program increased the bond Sumi and I had already built. She helps me with things I struggled with in the past. I simply need to look at her during my darkest moments to know she has my back. Thus, my mood improves very quickly.

‍

Sumi has learned tasks like “Snuggle” where her instinct tells her I’m getting anxious. She puts her front paws in my lap and licks me. While I’m not a fan of licking, it forces me to focus on her and not what is triggering me. With “Center” she sits in between my legs and leans toward one leg, putting pressure on that leg, helping me to know I have someone there. And “Push” is a tactic of Deep Pressure Therapy which gives the same result as “Snuggle”.

‍

Mental health is the silent killer. I know I can’t leave this earth because Sumi needs me. I must take care of her like she takes care of me. Where in the past I would quickly exit situations, now, I’m more willing to talk at length to people. I’ve been telling all my military buddies and their family members how much Sumi helps me and that they need to make the commitment to having a Service Dog. Put in the time, and just do it.

‍

The SD4V staff is committed to the mission and are there for us, and I know they’ll still be there for us long after we graduate.

Transitioning back to civilian life has been a relentless battle. I often felt more isolated than in the war zone itself. Trying to form connections with people who have no understanding of where you have been creates isolation. The normal rhythm of civilian life was foreign to me at times. On the outside I looked normal, but the internal struggles eventually led me to SD4V.

‍

Training with my dog Jagger has helped me navigate things I used to avoid, tasks which to others are normal like my children’s sports games or school functions. I simply did not feel safe in public. Now Jagger gives me that sense of peace and safety, making it easier to interact with people. When they approach me and start a conversation, talking about the dog helps me forget my discomfort and insecurity.

‍

Tasks like “Push” or “Front” give a sense of security while creating space helping me feel guarded in a crowd. And “Snuggle” helps to calm me and bring me back to reality, all feelings I didn’t realize I could experience again.

‍

Having the option for training with SD4V has been life changing. Taking Jagger to work with me or out in public with peace of mind, where no one can question him accompanying me, makes the time and effort well worth seeing it through to the finish.

Researching a service dog led me to believe I could never have one because it was just too expensive. Several years later, a random post in Vets Helping Vets led me to a dog named Liberty. She had not bonded with her Veteran during their training and that person wanted her to go to a Veteran. The only requirement was for me to contact SD4V.

‍

Our training process has given me new hope and helps me realize I can feel again.  At times I thought we would be Service Dog dropouts, but everyone was very supportive. Places I used to avoid like the plague I no longer shun, like busy downtowns, outdoor concerts, or festivals.

‍

When Liberty performs “Cover”, I know she’s watching my back. With “Block”, she protects me by keeping space behind me and anyone unexpectedly getting near me. “Snuggle always helps ground me, bringing me back to reality. These tasks may seem small, but they have a huge, positive impact on my day-to-day life.

‍

When my father became gravely ill, I was sitting on the bed crying, but Liberty knew just what to do. She climbed up on me to comfort me. I will be forever grateful to those who believe in the SD4V mission and donate to cover the cost of training. The result is that I can securely move forward with strength and hope.

‍

The guidance and help from staff means I can be proactive vs reactive so to others I say, “Don’t wait 15 years like I did. Do it!”