UPDATE: A U.S. Army and Marine veteran from Colorado has revealed how his service dog, a yellow Labrador named Tommy, potentially saved his life by alerting him to a serious medical emergency. This incident highlights the profound impact service dogs can have on the lives of veterans, particularly those suffering from PTSD.
In February, Hank Ford, a veteran grappling with PTSD, experienced a life-threatening situation when Tommy woke him earlier than usual. Typically nudging Ford awake around 7:00 a.m., on that fateful morning, Tommy exhibited alarming behavior—hitting Ford in the chest instead of his usual gentle wake-up routine. Realizing something was wrong, Ford rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with an irregular, rapid heartbeat. Medical professionals later informed him that without Tommy’s intervention, he could have faced a massive stroke.
Ford shared, “If Tommy hadn’t acted as he did, I may not have woken up.” He emphasized the stigma some veterans face regarding service dogs, noting, “A lot of veterans won’t get a dog because they think people look at you differently. But a dog makes a huge difference.”
Describing his bond with Tommy, Ford stated, “Everybody always talks about, you know, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. It was a dark spot. He turned the lights on.” This heartfelt testimonial shines a light on the essential role service animals play in the recovery and well-being of veterans, transforming their daily lives and mental health.
The story of Hank Ford and Tommy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of service dogs in supporting veterans who face the challenges of mental health and physical health crises. As awareness grows, it may encourage more veterans to consider the life-changing benefits of a service dog.
This urgent update underscores the critical nature of recognizing the unique relationship between veterans and their service animals and the potential for these animals to save lives. As communities continue to support veterans, the conversations around mental health and the role of service dogs are more vital than ever.
Stay tuned for further developments on this inspiring story and the ongoing impact service dogs have on the veteran community.
