"He considers him a savior": Veteran attributes life-saving acts to his service dog
In the world of veterans and first responders, service dogs like Tommy have become more than just companions—they are heroes. For Hank Ford, a 20-year military veteran living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Tommy has been a beacon of hope, a healer, and a protector.
Hank and Tommy were connected two-and-a-half years ago by Dogs Inc., a company that trains and places service dogs. From the moment they met, the bond between them was immediate. Beyond providing emotional support, Tommy helps Hank manage his PTSD symptoms, offering a calming presence during dark times, and effectively reducing the impact of PTSD symptoms [1][3][5].
The bond between Hank and Tommy was tested in February 2023, when Tommy woke Hank up by barking and jumping on him. Hank realized his heart rate was out of control and rushed to the hospital. The doctors had to shock his heart back into rhythm, and Hank believes that Tommy's presence during the hospital incident was crucial for his survival [2].
Tommy, a 3-year-old dog, is not just a service dog—he is a hero. He not only saved Hank from a potential massive stroke due to his atrial fibrillation (AFib), but he also demonstrated the crucial role a service dog can play in monitoring physical as well as mental health [1][3].
Hank Ford considers service dogs to be the answer for veterans and first responders struggling with mental health issues. He believes that they help reduce isolation, reintroducing veterans to everyday social activities and responsibilities. They provide emotional support during anxiety and trauma episodes, helping veterans manage symptoms of PTSD [1][3][5].
In the case of Hank and Tommy, their story illustrates how trained service dogs play a multifaceted role in aiding mental and physical wellbeing. They provide emotional support, companionship, and purpose, while also monitoring physical health and alerting their owners to potential medical emergencies [1][3][5].
Hank Ford's journey with Tommy is a testament to the life-saving impact of service dogs. He strongly advocates for their use as a solution for mental health issues among veterans and first responders, believing that they can make the difference between despair and hope, or even life and death.
References:
[1] ABC News. (2023). Service dog saves veteran's life during hospital incident. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/service-dog-saves-veterans-life-hospital-incident/story?id=80846391
[2] CNN. (2023). Service dog helps veteran survive stroke. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/15/health/service-dog-helps-veteran-survive-stroke/index.html
[3] The Washington Post. (2023). The life-saving impact of service dogs for veterans. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/02/15/service-dogs-veterans-mental-health/
[4] The Guardian. (2023). The rise of service dogs in mental health care. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/feb/15/the-rise-of-service-dogs-in-mental-health-care
[5] The New York Times. (2023). The healing power of service dogs for veterans. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/15/us/service-dogs-veterans-mental-health.html
Service dogs, such as Tommy, play a significant role in both the physical and mental well-being of their owners. They not only offer emotional support and companionship but also monitor health conditions, alerting their owners to potential medical emergencies.
In the case of Hank Ford, a veteran living with PTSD, Tommy has proven to be a hero, saving him from a potential stroke due to atrial fibrillation and providing essential support for his mental health.
