Jason and Gallant
How has your life changed since receiving your service dog?
Since getting Gallant, I have had a reduction in my anxiety when being out in public. Especially the aggravation from a person standing too close to me in lines. When I am felling depressed, having Gallant there to comfort me means the world. When I got really low and had thoughts of ending my life, I was able to rely on him to give me the attention I needed so that I could pull myself back from the edge and continue.
What is one thing you are able to do now that you couldn’t before receiving your dog?
I am more confident when in public with my family, and I can enjoy our time together better because I am not focusing on my surroundings as much. My intrusive thoughts are less prevalent since getting him, which allows me to concentrate on more on my family.
Describe your daily life with your service dog?
I work from home mostly, so Gallant spends a lot of time just being a dog, but at the time of this survey, I was a Veteran of Foreign Wars District Commander. So I spend a lot of time visiting VFW Posts and showing up for events, and Gallant has been a real godsend in those situations.
What affect has your service dog had on the relationships in your life?
I am able to be more relaxed when meeting new people. I am able to better concentrate on what others are saying when they speck to me because I know that he is there with me.
What is one thing you would tell a fellow veteran that was considering a service dog?
Having a service dog is like having a Battle Buddy that is always by your side and ready to listen to you when those days get hard, no matter what time of day or night. They are even sometimes more aware of what you need before you are.