By: Quise Varoz
For many veterans, coming home from war is only the beginning of another difficult journey. While military service may end, the physical and emotional challenges of war can remain long after a veteran returns to civilian life.
Memories of combat, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, nightmares, and physical disabilities can make everyday activities challenging. Adjusting to a new routine and finding a sense of normalcy can take time. But for some veterans, having a loyal companion by their side can make that journey a little easier.
Service dogs are becoming an important source of support for veterans living with disabilities and the lasting effects of military service. Beyond their ability to assist with everyday tasks, these dogs can offer something just as meaningful: companionship, comfort, and the reassurance that someone is always there.
After all, dogs have long been known as man’s best friend. For veterans facing some of life’s hardest moments, that friendship can mean even more.
More Than a Service Dog: Kevin and Hope’s Story
Hope is more than a service dog. She is a source of comfort and support, especially during moments when Kevin struggles with the lasting effects of his experiences.
One night, shortly after Hope joined his family, Kevin experienced a nightmare. When he woke up, he discovered Hope had already recognized something was wrong.
She had laid across his chest, providing comfort when he needed it most.
Kevin remembers that moment:
“There was one night I was having a bad dream, and this was shortly after she came to us. And I was having a bad dream. I woke up to her laying across my chest that she had obviously identified I was having an issue and was there and calm me down.”
For Kevin, that moment demonstrated just how much of a difference Hope could make.
Sometimes, support does not have to come through words. It can come through a comforting presence, familiar face, or loyal dog who recognizes something is wrong.
Helping Veterans Adjust to Civilian Life
The transition from military service to civilian life can be overwhelming. Veterans may face challenges that cannot always be seen, including emotional distress, physical limitations, and difficulty adjusting to environments that feel unfamiliar after years of military service. Programs like the Bonafide Dog Academy, which is tied to Assistance Dog of the Heartland, help choose the pairing of both human and k-9.
