UPDATE: A U.S. Army and Marine veteran from Colorado credits his service dog, a yellow Labrador named Tommy, with saving his life after the canine alerted him to a serious medical condition. This urgent incident occurred in February, when veteran Hank Ford, who battles PTSD, experienced a rapid and irregular heartbeat that could have led to a stroke.
Ford, 35, describes the moment Tommy woke him earlier than usual, around 7:00 a.m., by hitting him in the chest. “He wasn’t coming up to my face. He was literally hitting me in the chest,” Ford recalled. This unusual behavior prompted him to seek medical help. At the hospital, doctors confirmed that without Tommy’s intervention, he might not have survived.
“This is a life-changing experience,” Ford expressed, emphasizing the profound impact Tommy has had on his mental health and daily life. “It was night and day,” he added, noting the drastic transformation in his well-being since getting the service dog. “Everybody that knows me can’t believe the difference in me.”
Why This Matters: The story underscores the vital role service dogs can play in the lives of veterans, particularly those suffering from PTSD. Ford highlighted that many veterans hesitate to get a service dog due to societal perceptions. “A lot of veterans won’t get a dog because they think people look at you different when you’re walking through a store. But a dog makes a huge difference,” he said.
Ford likened Tommy’s presence to “a light at the end of the tunnel,” stating, “It was a dark spot. He turned the lights on.” His story serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional and physical support that service animals provide to those in need.
As awareness grows about the importance of service dogs, this incident may encourage more veterans to consider these life-saving companions. Ford hopes to inspire others by sharing his experience, shining a light on the positive differences service animals can make.
What’s Next: The conversation around service dogs and their impact on mental health is gaining momentum, with more veterans and advocates calling for increased support and understanding from the public. As organizations continue to promote the benefits of service animals, Ford’s story may motivate further discussions on mental health resources for veterans.
For those interested in the life-changing effects of service dogs, Ford’s experience offers hope and highlights the urgent need for awareness in the veteran community.
