A CAUSE TO GIVE US PAWS

Adam and Rose

I'm Adam. I am currently going through a medical retirement from the Army after nearly 22 years of service in the Texas National Guard and the Army Reserve. During that span, I had a yearlong deployment to Iraq in 2005-2006, plus another 4-5 years' worth of stateside active duty tours. Making the decision to accept retirement was a difficult one. While I am proud to be leaving the service as a lieutenant colonel, I still had nearly 10 years of notional service time as an officer still ahead of me, and a desire to continue to give back through my military service. But ultimately, a combination of medical conditions and non-combat service injuries took a toll on my health and stamina and I knew it was time for me to say goodbye.

Although I knew I was clearly eligible, I was reluctant to look into a service dog program. With so many fellow veterans out there with issues so much more serious and more life-changing than mine, I felt like I shouldn't waste anyone's time. But ultimately, I thought back to the many times over the years when I suddenly needed emergency medical care. Fortunately, in most instances, I was able to call for help myself, or had others nearby who could. But I kept thinking about how many times I had just barely been within reach of help. What if the emergency happened an hour earlier than it did when I was alone? Or if it had happened when I was 10 blocks further into my walk where no one else was around? Or what if I had left my phone behind somewhere, or the emergency was severe enough such that I couldn't dial?

Ultimately, I approached Give Us Paws, who have been fantastic from the start. They reassured me that a service dog would be a very appropriate tool in the long-term management of my conditions and injuries. Unlike many veteran families, we don't currently have a dog in the house. But even there, Give Us Paws is helping us do this right; Paul is right there beside us, helping us to evaluate potential rescue dogs for the training.

We are just beginning our journey, but we are grateful for the added safety & security the Give Us Paws program will be bringing to our family.

Natalie and Scooby

My name is Natalie, I was in the Army for about six years. My last rank was E4. My disability occurred during deployment to Iraq in 2010. I have PTS and it affects me by being in crowds and I get bad anxiety to the part I start to have anxiety attacks. I also have diabetes and major depression. I can't even go to the grocery store it is very uncomfortable. I feel like everyone is starring and someone is going to attack me. I am consistedly on guard my dog calms me down when I'm at home some I believe by him being a service dog he can do more for me in public. So, a service dog would help with my symptoms. My dog Scooby already lifts my well-being his very smart and notices a lot about me and stays by my side a lot. This would be a very beneficial opportunity for me and my dog it would provide the help I need.

Edwared and Raven

My name is Edward, in 2013 I medically retired out of the United States Army as a sergeant. It had its highs and lows and like anything else in life, but you learn to just embrace the suck and keep moving forward, because no matter what you always knew that you weren't the only one dealing with it all and you kept going for the one's that couldn't. After being hit with an RPG and thrown 10 feet in to a brick and mortar wall I struggled to deal with and accept that I was one of the lucky ones. After being hospitalized for not sleeping for 9 days straight my life began tumbling down or I at least accepted that I wasn't fine. With the constant joy of having ringing in my ears and dealing with varies injures and surgeries the anxiety, depression, hypervigilant, insomnia, chronic pains, double vison, PTS, and TBI it all seemed to consume my life. I saw myself completely avoiding the outside joys of the world and all that was in it. Its been recommended to me by many doctors, friends and family that getting a service animal could be really good for me. I made every reason and excuses to tell myself that it wasn't the right time. This past year I've been thinking about it more and more and up came Raven an Alaskan Malamute whom was looking to be a placed to be a service animal for someone. It seemed right because I said if I ever got one, I wanted it to be an Alaskan Malamute, I had no more excuses. I'm fully committed and excited for this challenge ahead, I know that it won't be easy but I'm looking forward to the adventure with Raven and what we're going to learn at Give Us Paws.