In October 2024, service dog McGraw was finally matched with his Veteran Andy during a five-week handler training program at the Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB) headquarters in Battleground, Washington.
In the summer of 2023, McGraw became famous when he met his namesake, legendary singer-songwriter Tim McGraw, at a concert in Washington the artist held in support of NWBB.
After foster care and five months of intensive canine training, the young and determined Australian Labradoodle was ready to be matched with a Veteran and fulfill his purpose.
“McGraw’s foster family and training team are honored and excited about the journey ahead for McGraw and his Veteran,” says Shannon Walker, founder and CEO of NWBB.
At Northwest Battle Buddies, we’re service dog experts. Our mission is to gift professionally trained service dogs to Veterans battling PTSD, helping them regain their freedom and independence. Your donation helps give back to our American Heroes. Make a monthly contribution, and put PTSD service dogs in the hands of Veteran handlers around the country.
McGraw was thoughtfully matched with Andy, a Navy and Army National Guard Veteran who worked as an aviation electronics technician and was deployed to Japan and the Persian Gulf during active duty. After his Navy service, Andy joined the Army National Guard as an IFTE Operator/Maintainer.
After serving in both the Navy and Army National Guard, Andy faced the invisible wounds that many of our servicemembers encounter. "I have been dealing with PTSD since 1997 and thought that was normal and I was fine," Andy shares, reflecting on the struggles that eventually led to a critically low moment in December 2021. Andy’s wife took notice and was on the lookout for a solution.
How Andy Found NWBB
“My wife used to work at the Walmart pharmacy and would see the NWBB Vets and service dogs training in the store,” Andy said. “She asked about it, then told me I should look into it.”
After figuring out some logistics, the path to healing began two years later when Andy first met McGraw on day two of his handler training. Their connection was instant. "He was a little skittish at first, but when we went and sat down, he just melted in my arms. At that point I knew he was the perfect dog for me," Andy recalls. This moment marked the beginning of a transformative partnership.
“In McGraw’s case, he was a perfect match for Andy,” Shannon reported, thinking back about the matching process. “His personality is quirky and fun while being very happy to follow along with whatever Andy needs. McGraw also fulfilled Andy’s need for a hypoallergenic service dog.”
Anytime NWBB pairs a Veteran with a service dog, we consider the Veteran’s health, mobility, hobbies, profession, and goals. We ask questions about family dynamics and ages, and if there are any disabilities. We also consider the dog's size, energy level, and suitability.
Andy’s New Life With McGraw
The impact of this pairing has been nothing short of remarkable. For Veterans like Andy, simple daily activities that many take for granted can present significant challenges. Now, with McGraw by his side, Andy's world has expanded dramatically.
"My day-to-day life has changed a lot. I no longer just sit around the house. I get to take him out 4-5 times a day and walk around some," he explains. But the changes go far deeper than increased physical activity.
Perhaps the most profound transformation has been in Andy's ability to navigate public spaces and travel. "I can now go into the mall or Costco and not have to be on guard," he shares. "I have been able to fly to Florida to visit my family and watch my mom sing in a Christmas concert. Having him to comfort me has changed my life.”
This newfound confidence has opened doors that seemed permanently closed before, allowing Andy to reconnect with family and embrace new experiences. Andy now looks forward to attending baseball games and traveling by plane more frequently. He also hopes to better manage his medical issues by being more active and ultimately losing weight.
“The best change is, I'm happier! I can’t thank everyone enough for this gift – from the trainers to the staff and all the people who support NWBB financially and with their time. I have seen 20+ Veterans whose lives have been changed through people’s generous gifts.”
Each successful partnership between a Veteran and their service dog represents another American Hero finding their way back to a fuller, more engaged life.
