When Derek was accepted into Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB) to receive a professionally trained PTSD service dog, Melody was thrilled. After 22 years together, she knew her husband needed support as he processed his military experiences through weekly counseling sessions. They’d recently lost their dog — a companion who had been with them throughout Derek's entire military career — and the absence weighed heavily on him.
The timing felt right, even as practical questions surfaced: Would Derek be accepted? Would his employer follow through on their support? Would their cat tolerate a new dog in their bedroom?
Those worries quickly faded when Cora arrived. The cat adapted and they’re now “best fluffriends.” The employer supported him without hesitation. Life completely changed for Derek (and Melody) in the best way.
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Stories like this are only possible because of generous supporters who believe in helping American Heroes heal. Your donation to Operation Never Quit (ONQ) provides professionally trained PTSD service dogs to Veterans like Derek, giving them the tools to reclaim their freedom and reconnect with their families. |
Derek’s Freedom is Restored
Derek’s transformation came gradually, then all at once. Derek, who once avoided stores and spontaneous trips due to overwhelming anxiety, began saying yes. When Melody asked two days before her vacation if he wanted to spend a day at a beachfront hotel, his enthusiastic response came without hesitation: "Yeah! Let's do it!"
"He's more engaged in everyday activities and special events," Melody explains. "He’s fine going places without worrying about all the unknowns and thoughts of possible threats."
Fourth of July parades, weekend trips to the Oregon coast, band competitions at the University of Oregon stadium in Eugene — all activities that used to fall primarily on Melody and the kids, now include Derek on more occasions without the anxieties shutting him down. PTSD service dogs often help foster connection with loved ones, and this is just one example of how that can happen.
Cora gives Derek the confidence to navigate a world that once felt threatening. She cushions what used to be a scary environment, allowing him to participate fully in his family's life.
Derek’s Life Has Improved, Thanks to Cora’s Help
Derek continues to maintain his sobriety and better himself every day. He’s joined a gym and attends on a routine basis, which Melody describes as “an amazing achievement.” The combination of counseling, commitment, and Cora's steady presence has created sustainable change. He's happier, more responsive to home life, and actively engaged in everyday activities. Cora has helped him reintegrate to civilian life at a manageable pace. Most importantly, his nightmares have about disappeared, thanks to Cora’s ability to disrupt them.
"Getting a service dog has allowed my husband the freedom he's so desperately needed," Melody reflects. "It hasn't changed our relationship, rather helped us navigate life after the military a little smoother."
That distinction matters. NWBB doesn't replace the work Veterans and their families put into healing; instead, it amplifies it. PTSD service dogs provide American Heroes with tools to reclaim their lives while families learn to navigate this new chapter together.
A Message of Gratitude
Melody's words to NWBB carry the weight of lived experience: "Everything about Northwest Battle Buddies is positive and I wouldn't change anything; it’s more than words can describe. You've given many damaged individuals their freedom back."
That freedom takes shape in Derek's engagement at everyday activities he once avoided due to anxiety. It lives in the family outings that now include him (parades, coastal weekends, and sporting events), moments Melody once navigated alone with the kids. It shows in Derek's sustained sobriety, a milestone that once felt unreachable.
Most importantly, it looks like a Veteran who can finally breathe.
How You Can Help
Organizations like NWBB depend on community support to continue providing PTSD service dogs to American Heroes. Your donation to Operation Never Quit (ONQ) directly impacts Veterans like Derek, giving them the tools to reclaim their freedom and reconnect with their families. Every contribution helps another Veteran navigate life after military service with confidence and hope.