Many Veterans continue facing battles long after they've left the field. For John, a Navy Veteran, the path to healing took an unexpected turn with four paws and a wagging tail.
When Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB) matched John with Honey, a professionally trained PTSD service dog, he found hope again.
The Weight of Service
John's military career began in March 1990 when he entered the Navy as a 3rd class petty officer. Within nine months, he found himself deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After serving for two years, John was discharged early, carrying with him the invisible wounds of war that would shape his civilian life for years to come.
"It was a lot of anger, isolation, suicidal ideation, and not feeling like you had a handle on it," John recalls, describing his daily life before meeting Honey.
Significant health challenges compounded the weight of his experiences. "Since 2008, I've had 8 spinal surgeries and 4 left shoulder surgeries," he adds.
Discovering Northwest Battle Buddies
In his darkest moments, John found himself searching for hope. It was during one of these times, sitting in his garage and watching YouTube videos about PTSD service dogs, that he stumbled upon a TED Talk by Shannon Walker, the founder of NWBB.
"I watched it 27 times, and it brought me to tears every time," John shares. "In that place where I was so desperate and so alone, it meant a lot to me."
This moment of connection led John to reach out to NWBB. Unlike other organizations that presented barriers—such as exorbitant costs—NWBB offered John something he needed: hope.
The Journey Begins: Matching and Training
The process of being matched with a service dog was thorough and thoughtful. John appreciated the detailed approach, understanding that the right match could make all the difference. He trusted NWBB to make the right call for his situation.
"I felt hope from this organization. So much so that I pushed myself to make this happen," John explains. "This was 3 months after I had a three level spinal fusion, so it was very challenging. I worked very hard in my physical therapy to get where I needed to be to travel."
On Veterans Day 2022, John graduated with Honey, an English Lab, by his side. Honey quickly became not just a companion, but a lifeline.
A Bond Beyond Words: Life with Honey
"Honey sleeps with me every night, and I can reach over at any time and know I'm not alone," John says. “The first week we were together, she woke me up from a flashback. She stood over me with her front paws on my right side and her back paws on my left.”
John says that Honey helps him refocus during stressful situations. “If I find myself looking around, on edge, I can stop right there and touch Honey, and refocus. She’s helping me come out of hypervigilance. She’s a reinforcement that I’m okay,” he says.
The bond between John and Honey was put to the test during a personal tragedy. "On Mother's Day last year, my first-born grandson was killed in the passenger seat of a car accident. And I tell you if it wasn't for Honey, I would have killed myself," John says. In the darkest of moments, Honey's presence, along with the support from NWBB, literally saved John's life.
New Horizons: Rediscovering the World
Life with Honey has opened up new possibilities for John. Tasks that once seemed insurmountable now felt achievable. "Before Honey, I had not stepped into a mall in over 5 years. I was too anxious, and there were too many people. But I can do a mall now with Honey," he shares.
The changes extend beyond just being able to visit public spaces. John finds himself more willing to challenge his comfort zone and face situations that would have previously caused overwhelming anxiety. "With Honey, I feel less stressed overall. I challenge myself to be in awkward situations more than I have in years," he explains.
Advice for Fellow Veterans
For Veterans considering a service dog, John's message is clear: "You are worth this opportunity at feeling better in life with a Battle Buddy by your side. This organization will not let you down. Go for it."
He emphasizes the commitment required, but also the immeasurable rewards. "It was a wonderful, challenging experience wrapped in one. What I got was love and knowing I'm not alone. I can be okay," John reflects.
"PTSD doesn't just go away because we have a service dog, but Honey makes it a whole lot better."
The Ongoing Journey: A New Leash on Life
As we honor the sacrifices of our Veterans, stories like John's remind us of the ongoing battles many face long after their service ends. Organizations like NWBB offer a beacon of hope, providing American Heroes with loyal companions trained to support them through their darkest hours and brightest days alike.
To help us continue to provide this service to Veterans like John, pledge a monthly donation through Operation Never Quit – as low as just $22 a month. Plus, you’ll receive quarterly email updates on your donation’s impact and more Inspiring stories from Veterans and their service dogs.