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America’s VetDogs Making a Difference

Service dogs can make all of the difference, especially for military veterans. In a study conducted by Purdue University, veterans with PTS who utilized a service dog were found to have significantly lower levels of PTS, depression and anxiety than those who did not. Service dogs have also proven helpful for veterans with mobility and other physical differences in regaining their independence. However, obtaining and training a service dog can be a lengthy and expensive process that leaves many needing assistance to go without a service dog.

This is where organizations like America’s VetDogs, that specializes in pairing trained guide dogs with veterans with PTS, physical injuries, hearing and vision loss, seizures and other service-related conditions, come in. These dogs are provided to veterans at no cost and have demonstrated tremendous success for veterans nationwide.

Here are some of the stories of America’s VetDogs making a difference in their veteran’s lives:

Al Moore and Kevin

Originally from Michigan, Al Moore joined the Marine Corps when he was 19. After serving three years on active duty, he returned to Michigan intending to return to college but found himself caring for a family member.

Moore rejoined the Marines, where he spent the next 26 years. He became a photojournalist and eventually joined the USMC Combat Camera unit. Moore was responsible for documenting missions shooting both video and still photography. And with the access photographers and videographers have to combat zones, he saw more combat than he might have otherwise. Some of his missions were one-person operations, which meant he had to handle everything from filming and editing to narration.

In 2009, his prior physical injuries, aggravated by his latest deployment to Afghanistan, finally convinced Moore it was time to retire from the Marine Corps. He had been dealing with PTS for several years after he had been called upon to accompany the bodies of two young Marines to their homes after they had been killed in action in Iraq in the same month. Although he was rated 100% disabled by the VA, with 90% of his disabilities related to combat, Moore continued working and joined the Department of Defense as a civilian. His job was to plan for various disaster scenarios in which government agencies might have to relocate so they could continue operations.

He was partnered with service dog Kevin in 2018. Kevin has been trained to wake Moore up from nightmares, turn lights on at night, retrieve items like medication and cell phones, and help open doors.

Moore says the difference Kevin has made in his life and his family’s life is amazing. “He’s removed a lot of stress, and as the stress has diminished, so has the physical pain and a little more energy has come back. I sleep a little better. I’m not quite as angry and easily agitated. In combat, you have a battle buddy. Now that I have Kevin, I feel like I have a new battle buddy.”

Joseph Worley, Benjamin and Galaxie

Joseph Worley joined the Navy in 2003, just before he turned 22. “Everyone, I think, feels the pull to serve their country. I wanted that. I wanted to see the world,” he says.

He became a Navy corpsman and worked as the medic attached to a Marine unit. In 2004, as his medical convoy was heading back to base in Fallujah, Iraq, the first vehicle in the convoy hit an improvised explosive device. Worley jumped out to aid his wounded comrades, ran a few yards, and stepped on an improvised explosive device that was remote detinated. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart for his actions.

Worley lost his left leg above the knee and suffered severe damage to his right leg and ankle. He spent almost two years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center recovering from his injuries. He was among the veterans who attended the first on-campus VetDogs class in October 2008.

His first service dog, Benjamin, a Golden Retriever, was trained to help with balance and stability while in harness and retrieval when Worley used his wheelchair. “Benjamin is a constant, nonjudgmental companion who doesn’t treat me differently based on how I look. I am grateful for the difference he has made in my life—not only for me but for my family,” he says.

After being teamed with Benjamin, Worley became one of VetDogs’ most popular veteran ambassadors. He has since joined the staff of America’s VetDogs as its veterans relations liaison.

Following a long and outstanding career, Benjamin retired to live with the Worley family. Worley trained with his new dog, Galaxie, in April 2017. There was never a question, he says, that he would come to America’s VetDogs when it was time to get another dog.

“My life is so far beyond where I thought I would be in 2008 when I got Benjamin that I cannot begin to express the love and appreciation I have for America’s VetDogs and the people here. I feel like I left the old me in the dust. I’m doing things I never thought possible,” he says.

Explore more articles for the veteran community here.

The post America’s VetDogs Making a Difference appeared first on U.S. Veterans.

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