Serving in the military necessitates a great deal of strength, bravery, and tenacity. Some troops are separated from their families for months, if not years, at a time; when they come home, some suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which has an impact on their daily lives…
There are numerous approaches to dealing with PTSD. Some people use pharmaceuticals, while others seek counseling, but one unique approach to deal is with the assistance of a service dog.
Service dogs, such as this Yellow Labrador named Pax, assist patients with PTSD in getting through each day. They’re there to provide support and to help these people reclaim their sense of self.
Sgt. Bill Campbell, a 47-year-old veteran, suffers from PTSD, memory loss, and a severe dread of crowds. His world was turned upside down when he obtained Pax as his service dog. Having a dog at his side has helped him survive the devastating impacts of war and has made his daily life more bearable. Bill will be eternally grateful to them for sharing such a great friendship.
Bill would not be where he is now if it weren’t for Pax’s trainer, so he decided to track her down and thank her directly. Laurie Kellog was Pax’s personal trainer. Pax resided in Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, where he was cared for by dozens of female inmates and was a participant of the facility’s service dog training program.
Laurie enjoyed training Pax for PTSD because it was so personal to her. She, too, had PTSD as a result of years of domestic abuse. Pax helped her be present and not get caught up in the past; he made her feel protected. Laurie was overjoyed to learn that Pax would be going to a soldier who was also suffering from PTSD.
Bill traveled to see Laurie in person to express his gratitude for her role in helping Pax grow into the man he is today. It was a very important moment for the three of them to be together because Pax had altered both of their lives for the better. Pax had clearly recognized Laurie since he came up to her and gave her tons of kisses and tail wags immediately he saw her!
Watch the video below!