In the aftermath of military service, many of our American Heroes face a silent war within. Matt, a former Navy helicopter crewman, was no exception. But fortunately, hope arrived on four paws: enter Pepper, a professionally trained PTSD service dog from Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB).
Ultimately, Pepper became the lifeline that pulled Matt from the lowest low to a place of purpose and connection.
Matt served in the Navy from 1987 to 1997 as a helicopter crewman and rescue swimmer. His service left him with a traumatic brain injury and other associated injuries, leading to years of mental struggles.
After leaving the military, Matt worked jobs that kept him away from people. From working in Antarctica to a remote Alaskan town of just 48 people, he continuously chose isolated work.
In 2010, Matt moved to Seattle. He found himself losing purpose and growing angrier in crowded environments—and began to hate living in the city’s hustle and bustle. “Being in that kind of environment wasn't doing me any good,” he shares.
Just when things seemed bleakest, Matt’s friends introduced him to NWBB. Despite Matt’s initial hesitation, he realized it was time to seek help.
"I've been as low as you can possibly go, and I was heading in that direction again,” he admits. “When my friends put me in touch with Northwest Battle Buddies, I figured it was time, because I knew I was sliding and I needed something. So it was a saving grace for me.”
In October 2020, Matt was matched with Pepper. He couldn’t attend the training program at NWBB right away, but staff members thought Pepper’s calm temperament would be a perfect match for Matt (especially since long walks were tough for him due to mobility issues). So they held her for him until he arrived two months later.
"It's an emotional greeting," he says of first meeting Pepper. "You get this pup that's just loving on you, and they want to be loved too."
During the five-week training program, Matt learned how to work with Pepper. The days were long, but for Matt, it was worth it.
Pepper has become more than just a PTSD service dog; she's a lifesaver. She's woken Matt from nightmares, alerted him to a blood clot that required immediate medical attention, and provides constant comfort during difficult moments.
"At night when my brain doesn't shut down, or I'm reliving stuff, she's there," he shares. "Even though she may be sleeping, I can put my hand on her and just rub her belly or whatever. And it's nice just knowing somebody's there."
Pepper can also tell when Matt’s not feeling well, and will help snap him out of it. “Pepper knows when there's something wrong,” he says. “She'll come over and she'll hit me with her paw. If I'm laying down, she'll stand on me, which is 60 pounds of dog. It gets my attention. She'll sit in front of me and stare at me, like ‘Hey, pay attention, something's going on.’”
With Pepper by his side, Matt has found it easier to navigate public spaces. While he still doesn't consider himself an extrovert, he's able to get out more. “Wherever I go, she goes,” he said. They even ride together on Matt’s motorcycle, with Pepper in the sidecar, becoming a beloved sight in their community.
Most importantly, Pepper has helped mitigate the depths of depression. "I don't slide all the way down the slope because she's here. I've got to be here for her as well," he explains.
To fellow American Heroes considering a PTSD service dog, Matt says, "Don't wait. I waited for many years, and struggled with trying to deal with it myself, trying to pull myself out of the holes on my own."
He emphasizes the importance of seeking help—but also being ready for the commitment a PTSD service dog requires. "You've got to want to have them in your life, and they are a life partner," he stresses. "The time you invest and the relationship you have with your dog makes the difference in how you deal with stuff."
Matt appreciates the commitment NWBB makes to ensure both dogs and Veterans are set up for success. The organization provides ongoing support and even allows Veterans to reapply for a new PTSD service dog after five years if needed.
"They helped save my life," he says candidly. "And I'm not going to be shy about that. I could have easily slipped to the very bottom again. Having Pepper prevented me from doing that."
In a world where many of our Veterans struggle to find their footing after service, stories like this remind us of the profound impact a well-trained PTSD service dog can have. Organizations like NWBB provide hope for a better future: a lifeline, a purpose, and a path back to connection for those who have given so much in service to their country.
You can help us continue to pair Veterans with PTSD service dogs by donating to Northwest Battle Buddies. Both NWBB and the American Heroes we serve are incredibly grateful for your support!