The Veterans whose lives have changed because of a PAWS dog tell our story best.
Cody bear brought so much confidence to Colonel Edwards; Ty completed a 5K wheelchair race, with Cody by his side the whole way. “I didn’t realize what a difference he would make in my life.”
Colonel Ty Edwards and Cody Bear
Colonel Ty Edwards and Cody Bear
At the age of 39, Marine Lt. Col. Ty was struck by a sniper’s bullet directed from a mountainside in Afghanistan. As he was lying on the roadside, all he could think of was death and love for his family.
While he would survive, the bullet wreaked havoc inside his brain leaving him unable to speak and totally paralyzed. Through years of grueling therapy, he would regain his speech and partial use of his left hand and leg. Later, Colonel Edwards would become the first recipient of a Golden PAWS trained service dog.
Colonel Edwards fought tirelessly to regain his strength and independence. Cody was by Ty’s side during countless hours of speech therapy and grueling physical therapy. Cody Bear helped his friend by opening cabinets, flipping light switches, picking up the telephone, and with countless other small tasks that helped Ty regain his independence.
Cody bear brought so much confidence to Colonel Edwards; Ty completed a 5K wheelchair race, with Cody by his side the whole way. “I didn’t realize what a difference he would make in my life.” – Colonel Ty Edwards.
After Cody Bear’s passing, Col. Edwards received a successor Golden PAWS Service Dog Bevy, who now serves him as his valiant Golden partner, one paw at a time.
“Zelda has been there in the darkest of times. Even when PTSD takes a toll and I consider suicide. She reminds me about how much love there is in our home and how much they rely on me.”
Joe and Zelda
USAF Veteran Joe and Zelda
Joe retired as an 18-year USAF MSGT after serving American interests all over the world including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa. But after his honorable discharge, Joe noticed changes in himself that made it difficult to live a happy and healthy life with his family.
After struggling with debilitating PTSD for years he reached out for help in the form of a partnership with a Golden PAWS service dog.
Zelda was introduced to Joe and there was such a connection that it didn’t take long for both to know Zelda was going to be his Golden PAWS canine partner. The bond Joe now holds with Zelda has transformed his life. Where he had once isolated himself, today with Zelda’s loving care and support he is integrating back into a fulfilling life and healing past traumas.
“Zelda has been there in the darkest of times. Even when PTSD takes a toll and I consider suicide. She reminds me about how much love there is in our home and how much they rely on me.”
“Having Melton gives me another sense of purpose again and it feels great. He just helps me not think about all the people around me, I don’t do well with groups at all, he keeps me focused on him so I’m starting to get out a little bit more than I used do, and that’s priceless.”
Reid and Melton
US Army Veteran Reid and Melton
Reid is a 9 year Army veteran who served from 2006 to 2014 as a member of the 178th Airborne Division. He saw heavy combat in Afghanistan and suffered multiple injuries while deployed.
Reid struggles daily to cope with severe PTSD, mobility issues, and random episodes of excruciating pain and discomfort.
Reid’s PTSD made it almost impossible to relate to our civilian society. He’d lost a sense of purpose after leaving the military. He was trapped at home thinking only about the past things he’d been through and the things that he’d done.
Melton has made a massive impact in Reid’s life. “Having Melton gives me another sense of purpose again and it feels great. He just helps me not think about all the people around me; I don’t do well with groups at all, he keeps me focused on him so I can get out more, and that’s priceless.”
“Since Biscuit has come into my life it was like a switch came on and something has changed in me. I am almost where I was before I joined the service. He has given me the confidence to live the life I always dreamed of.”
Edwin and Biscuit
USMC Veteran Edwin and Biscuit
Edwin proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps for 13 years but when he returned home from the Middle East, the battle was far from over. Edwin was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Ravaged by PTSD, Edwin shared that he …” felt defeated and alone in the world and was always looking over my shoulders thinking that I was back in the war. I was skeptical of everyone and everything and always wondering why people would just want to be around me.” Named by a group of kindergarten students, Biscuit would make Edwin’s battle easier. “Since Biscuit has come into my life it was like a switch came on and something has changed in me…I am finally going out and talking to strangers and enjoying my conversations. Biscuit has given me the confidence to live the life I always dreamed of.”
Shortly after receiving Biscuit, Edwin found the strength and courage to complete the transition from military life to civilian life. Now a graduate of the International Academy of Design and Technology and Full Sail University, Edwin is traveling the world with Biscuit by his side as he prepares to launch a new career in his chosen field.
It was love at first sight when we introduced Bobbi O. Gabriella’s performance at school improved. Her social skills expanded and finally, after struggling for so long, the other children began to accept her.
Gabriella and Bobbi O
Gabriella and Bobbi O
Gabriella received Bobbi O after a long struggle with a debilitating condition. After suffering from extreme anxiety, depression, and isolation, her parents were referred to us by Gabriella’s medical team.
It was love at first sight when we introduced Bobbi O to her. Gabriella dug into the long training process, determined to work hard to get her dog. As the months passed, and the training progressed, Gabriella and Bobbi became a local sight around Naples. Gabriella with her now bright smile and newfound confidence side by side with Bobbi O in his brilliant red service dog vest.
Gabriella’s performance at school improved. Her social skills expanded and finally, after struggling for so long, the other children began to accept her and her furry friend. Last year, Gabriella donned in cap and gown, Bobbi O in a bow tie, cap and his service dog vest, they walked hand in leash as Gabriella received her high school diploma.
One of Saylor’s biggest strengths is her ability to overcome obstacles. Before she was born her parents were told she would never walk. To prove the doctors wrong, she started walking and nothing has stopped her since.
Saylor and DB
Saylor and DB
Born with Spina Bifida, Saylor uses both forearm crutches and a wheelchair. Saylor studies hard in school, loves art and wants to go to college to become a fashion designer. Her Golden PAWS dog, DB is her daily companion.
DB helps Saylor go about her day, opening doors for her, picking up dropped items, and providing balance support when she uses her crutches.
One of Saylor’s biggest strengths is her ability to overcome obstacles. Before she was born her parents were told she would never walk. To prove the doctors wrong, she started walking with assistance at the age of two. Nothing has stopped her since.
One of Saylor’s proudest moments was the day that she received DB. They have been inseparable ever since.
Duke provides the emotional support Reno was searching for; a friend that helps him work through his anxiety, anger and depression allowing him to reconnect with his family and his community.
Reno and Duke
USMC & Army Special Forces Veteran Reno and Duke
Reno has devoted his life to military service, both in the Marines and in Army Special Forces. After multiple deployments to the Middle East, he was honorably and medically discharged.
Reno suffered from Traumatic Brain Injuries, partial memory loss, and a PTSD diagnosis. Married with three children Reno has struggled to deal with the effects of his combat-related injuries. He and his family also recognized his need to heal from the extreme PTSD symptoms that afflicted him and looked to Golden PAWS for help.
Duke’s size and strength make him a perfect match for Reno’s need for stability and mobility assistance. Duke is also providing the emotional support Reno was searching for; a friend that is helping him work through his anxiety, anger and depression issues allowing him to reconnect with his family and his community.
After a yearlong coma, a three-year struggle to learn to speak again and eight years to learn to walk again, Christian’s main goal was to live as autonomously as possible. We recognized that a service dog would help Christian meet that goal.
Christian and Ivan
USMC Veteran Christian and Ivan
Christian is a United States Marine who served our country in Kuwait during the first Gulf War. During his last deployment, he suffered a traumatic brain hemorrhage and injury leaving him unable to walk or speak.
After a yearlong coma, a three-year struggle to learn to speak again and eight years to learn to walk again, Christian’s main goal was to live as autonomously as possible.
Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs recognized that a service dog would help Christian meet that goal and partnered him with Ivan, one of the most highly skilled physical assistance dogs in 2017. The bond that was formed between Christian and Ivan was profound; the assistance and support Ivan provided Christian was life-changing.
In January of 2021, Ivan passed away suddenly from a rapidly growing tumor. Christian was heartbroken and we knew immediately there was something we had to do. When a GPAWS service dog passes away, we want our recipient to know there is a successor dog ready when they are.
We knew we had the perfect successor dog for Christian, Golden PAWS Service Dog Joe D. The Golden PAWS team sprung into action, driving to Christian’s home in North Florida and matched, placed, and oriented Christian and Joe D. This pair began to work together, learning what they each needed, and we were there, as always, every step of the way to provide training support. The connection was beautiful, and Joe D now serves Christian, one paw at a time.
“Many of the heroes I know have two legs, but mine has four. Knight is my new battle partner, walking through life defeating one enemy at a time – depression, anxiety, anger, seizures and more. Knight changed my life!”
Kenny and Knight
US Air Force Veteran Kenny and Knight
Kenny served in the US Air Force for 13 years in anti-terrorism units, conducting helicopter insertions against armed hostiles. His career specialty was as a radiation incidents first responder, stopping terrorists from coming into the US with dirty bombs.
He didn’t realize how it all affected him until he started having flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping and feelings of guilt, depression and fear.
Prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals had little impact when it came to treatment of post-traumatic stress and hopelessness seeped in. Then Kenny was introduced to Knight.
“Many of the heroes I know have two legs, but mine has four. Knight is my new battle partner, walking through life defeating one enemy at a time – depression, anxiety, anger, seizures and more. Knight changed my life!”
“The biggest hurdle for me to get over was to be in public with a lot of people around. Big Al has allowed me to get out more, I’ve been a part of things that normally I wouldn’t have just in the time he and I have been a team”.
Will and Al
USMC Veteran Will and Al
Will received a PTSD diagnosis that followed him home after his years of service as a Marine. The symptoms were so severe they kept him isolated from his community, avoiding even small groups of people in public.
With the help of Golden PAWS dog Big Al, Will is healing. “The biggest hurdle for me to get over was to be in public with a lot of people around. Big Al has allowed me to get out more, I’ve been a part of things that normally I wouldn’t have just in the time he and I have been a team”.
“Norman has helped me reintegrate with my family and be part of their lives, and not be the absent parent I was afraid I had become. “
Jody and Norman
I’m diagnosed 100% through the VA for PTSD, TBI, back issues. My service animal is the best meds I’ve ever had. Hands down, he’s the best remedy for PTSD ever.
Frank and Spirit
“Mike has received something he has not had since he sustained his traumatic brain injury: a best friend who loves him unconditionally. Pumpkin is always there for him and brings him more joy and happiness than he has had in a long time. She has brought a new dimension to Mike’s life and has made a tremendous difference in so many ways.”
Mike and Pumpkin
“Tex hasn’t just helped me, he has saved me. He has been there with me through hospital stays and doctor appointments. Tex makes me push myself to do things that I was previously uncomfortable doing. I know that Tex and I will continue to grow as a team. I am excited and look forward to see what the future holds.”
Stephen and Tex
Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs serves many in need.
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