“Before Doc (Service Dog), I wasn’t interested in going out in public. I had pretty much secluded myself from my family because I just felt so isolated and constrained by social triggers that would manifest themselves and leave me struggling to maintain composure. The family strain became so overwhelming that it almost tore us apart. What I experienced over there took a piece of me and I came home changed by PTSD. A buddy of mine told me about LifeLine and for a while I just kept it in the back of my mind, I mean honestly, I wasn’t sure what a Service Dog could do for me. If I had known then what I know now, I would have called them the second I learned about them. What Doc has done for me is beyond words. He restored a confidence and a sense of security in public places for me. I am back with my wife and kids participating in Life, I am present, and I wasn’t ever sure I could be. He’s even helped with a decrease in some of my medications, it’s just more than I could have hoped for. I know I’ll always carry the memories and there will be triggers, but Doc is there with me and we’re going to be ok. Thank you ,to LifeLine and to everyone who supported this organization to make this possible for me and my family. Thank you so much.”

” It’s hard to explain or convey what PTSD is. I came back from Afghanistan and life back home was like someone had flipped a switch and I was in some other universe. The anxiety and terror are so real, and people look at you, you look healthy, so they don’t understand why I just couldn’t appreciate being home and return to “normal”. I felt alone, I felt exposed everywhere I went. I was just constantly looking around because I didn’t feel safe. Sleep didn’t offer any relief, the memories I have, just became night terrors. You’re living in a mental hell and life becomes void. I seriously thought If I wasn’t here anymore it would just be better for everyone. This worthless life that spilled out to my family wasn’t worth the pain it caused them or me. This was a thought that grew daily and became pretty much present at all times. There was no hope for me, I was never going to feel good again, or so I thought. I first learned about LifeLine through one of their lead trainers. She was out training and as I walked past, she smiled as said “Hi, how are you doing today?” I remember taking a few steps and then just a voice in my head said, “turn around”. So I just briefly asked to pet the dog, which I know now is probably not appropriate for dogs in training, but she agreed and asked me to give the pup a treat. This began a conversation that literally changed my life. Six is exactly that, she’s always got my six. There is purpose, and HOPE and she (Six) ,LifeLine and you, their donors gave back to me, and I just can’t put into words how grateful I am to you all. I can promise you because of this opportunity I want to share and give back what you gave me, to others. I speak publicly and encourage others to reach out and grab a LifeLine !”

“I’m a Vietnam Veteran. I named my service dog, Carl for my buddy over there who didn’t get to come back with me. Age and Agent Orange haven’t been kind to me. I pretty much need a suitcase for all the medicine they have me on. Carl’s about the best thing in my life outside of my kids. I lost my wife a few years ago and she did a good job helping take care of me. When she passed, I got pretty sad and uninterested in a lot of things. My blood sugars got pretty high all the time and I’d lose track of time and when I was supposed to take medicine. Carl has been such a help to me . I lost a foot to diabetes and LifeLine trained Carl to open doors and turn on lights. Carl can go get my medicine and bring it to me. He comes along side of me and helps me get out of bed or stand up out of a chair, so I don’t fall. It’s amazing but somehow, they trained Carl to know when my blood sugars aren’t what they are supposed to be and he comes to me and gives me a nudge to remind me to get back on track. My family and I sure appreciate Carl and everyone who helped provide him to me. Thank you and God Bless America.”

My experience with Lifeline Service Dogs and our trainer, Tina, has been excellent. I am very pleased that Bailey is learning with each session. I am a combat Veteran of the Vietnam war and Bailey is learning to help me cope with many things as a result of that war. I want to thank the VA for directing me to Tina and Lifeline Service Dogs.