When veterans finish their service or get discharged for some reason, it’s not an easy phase for them. Their everyday life becomes suddenly different from what they have been doing for years. Because of this, some of them often would experience stress, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sean Brown, who was part of the army for seven years, was medically discharged from service. This made him feel depressed and isolated from his family and everyone else around him. Sean knew that at this point, he needed some help.
As he was looking for ways to help veterans recover from their PTSD, Sean came across the news about how service dogs could improve their lives. Then he went to the Southeastern Guide Dogs, a group that trains canines for free, to provide service dogs for veterans.
People who have been diagnosed with PTSD would have a hard time getting out of the house. They would also have no motivation to do anything anymore. It does not only affect them but their families as well. Sean also had the same experience.
Going to Walmart would even be a struggle for Sean. Just the thought of going out of the house, not knowing the people he could run into, would give panic attacks. But all of this changed when the Southeaster Guide Dogs paired him with Pella, the black Labrador.
The moment Sean met his service dog, he felt hopeful about his future. As he was attaching a leash to Pella on their first day together, he knew that he is finally moving forward. Since then, Sean and Pella have been inseparable and have become a perfect team.
Life has been going great for this veteran, thanks to his service dog. Sean has lost over 70 pounds has found a new job as the associate of philanthropy at the Southeastern Guide Dogs. He has been grateful to them for bringing Pella into his life and for hiring him too.
Sean felt how much Southeastern appreciates veterans. He feels blessed now that he is doing better and knows that he can accomplish many things with Pella by his side. Sean hopes that all veterans can be given another chance at life as he did.
Video Credit: Fox 13 News – Tampa Bay