Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) effects at least ten percent of veterans in our country. Most of those with severe cases are hindered in their day-to-day life and relationships. It is a horrible condition to have to live with and learning to cope proves to be quite challenging.
Loved ones of those suffering from PTSD are constantly looking for ways to bring aid to the one who needs help. So, when a Texas dad suffering from it was given a service dog from his family, he was moved to tears.
Rudy Pena, of Amarillo, couldn’t believe his eyes as he read a letter from his kids: Aubrie, Trever, and Adrian. The letter explained that they were giving him a service dog to help combat his night terrors and depression.
“I’m very lucky to have a family that cares and loves me enough to find him for me,” he told T&T Creative.
Pena has been an Army Combat Medic for the last 10 years, doing two deployments in Iraq before he was diagnosed with cancer.
He has been battling PTSD since returning from service.
“We’ve tried everything possible but as most veterans know, there is no cure and memories never go away," his wife Samantha said. “He has seen his brothers die in his arms and the memories haunt him."
Their family has been considering a service dog for years, but they were never been able to afford the $20,000-$30,000 that goes along with the purchase and training. But when Stephanie met a local breeder and trainer, offering an AKC-registered Labrador for an affordable price, she jumped at the opportunity.
Her husband and his pup, Justice, hit it off immediately.
“Justice and I immediately bonded — he is my battle buddy for life. He has had an amazing impact on me. He never leaves my side and somehow knows when I’m upset laying his head on my lap to calm me down,” he said. “We like playing fetch, going on walks and my favorite is just laying with him on the couch."
What a wonderful story and gesture.
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