America’s veterans have sacrificed their lives and well-being to defend the freedoms we hold dear. Yet, despite their bravery, many face an ongoing battle when they return home—one that is largely invisible to the public eye. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects roughly 7% of all U.S. service members, leaving them to grapple with severe anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even agoraphobia. While the mental wounds are often invisible, they are no less painful. For many veterans, however, a service dog has been the lifeline that helps them navigate life’s challenges, offering companionship, security, and hope.
Tarik Griggs, US Army veteran: A New Lease on Life with Walter
Tarik Griggs, a U.S. Army veteran from Philadelphia, knows firsthand the weight of carrying both physical and emotional scars. Enlisting at 18 instead of pursuing college, Griggs answered the call to serve his country during the Gulf War. Like many veterans, he learned to suppress his emotions with the military mantra: “Suck it up and drive on.” However, that mentality left him unprepared for the PTSD that would haunt him long after his service ended.
Despite earning an MBA and a successful career in finance, Griggs could not outrun the demons from his past. PTSD, coupled with diabetes and other health issues, created a daily struggle. But everything changed when he was paired with Walter, a Labrador-Golden Retriever mix, through Canine Companions, a national organization that provides trained service dogs to veterans with disabilities.
Walter is more than just a pet; he is Griggs’ constant companion and protector. The highly trained dog performs more than 40 professional commands, from turning lights on and off to creating personal space in crowded areas. Walter’s ability to disrupt anxiety-driven behaviors and offer comfort during nightmares has been life-changing. “There’s an emotional comfort and security that he’s always there, no matter what goes on,” Griggs says. “I’m so thankful—he’s my gift from God.”
Dick St. Clair, US Navy veteran: Ivy Brings Peace Amid Chaos
For Dick St. Clair, a U.S. Navy veteran who served for 20 years following 9/11, PTSD set in after years of intense service, including multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf. After being honorably discharged in 2022, St. Clair’s life spiraled, with chronic pain from arthritis and severe mental health struggles exacerbated by the pandemic lockdowns.
Living with PTSD was a daily challenge, especially with the heightened anxiety he faced in public spaces. But in 2023, St. Clair was paired with Ivy, a black English Labrador, through Northwest Battle Buddies, an organization in Washington State that provides service dogs to veterans suffering from PTSD.
With Ivy by his side, St. Clair has found a renewed sense of freedom. The dog, which never leaves his side, provides emotional support and reassurance, especially in public settings. “I can now sit and do anything I want and not have to constantly look around,” St. Clair says. A summer trip to a Chicago Cubs game, something he would never have considered before Ivy, exemplifies how much his life has improved. “She is my battle-buddy until the end,” he says.
St. Clair is quick to offer advice to fellow veterans: “Don’t bury problems that won’t go away on their own. Pick up the phone.” His own decision to seek help, rather than drown in his struggles, has transformed his life.
Cortney, US Navy veteran: Finding Security and Strength with Everest
Cortney, a 39-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, joined the military as a teenager, driven by the desire to protect others. But during her service, Cortney suffered traumatic experiences that would haunt her for years. A sexual assault while on duty left deep emotional scars, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a fall. Cortney’s PTSD manifested as agoraphobia, making simple tasks like grocery shopping overwhelming due to crowded public spaces. She also suffers from chronic pain, migraines, and nightmares.
In 2023, Cortney was paired with Everest, a golden retriever-labrador mix, through Guardian Revival, an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of veterans. Everest became more than just a service dog—he became Cortney’s protector and emotional anchor.
“Before Everest, I was afraid to go into public,” Cortney admits. But now, with Everest by her side, “all things are possible.” The dog helps her navigate crowds, alerts her when someone is approaching from behind, and provides comfort whenever she needs it. Cortney’s newfound confidence was evident when she attended a Yankees game this past summer. “With Everest, I feel safe—just his presence makes all the difference,” she says. “I feel like I can conquer the world now.”
Mychal Watts, US Marine veteran: Connie Provides a Lifeline After 20 Years of Silence
For Mychal Watts, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Queens, New York, PTSD was a silent companion for nearly two decades. Enlisting secretly at the age of 18, Watts lived his dream as a Marine, rising to the rank of sergeant and serving for five years, including a year-long stint in Japan. However, the toll of combat, coupled with the emotional and psychological trauma of service, led Watts to struggle in silence after returning home.
It wasn’t until two years ago, after almost 20 years of keeping his struggles to himself, that Watts reached out for help. He connected with Operation Warrior Shield, a Brooklyn-based organization that assists veterans with PTSD, and was paired with Connie, a fox-red Labrador retriever.
For Watts, the bond with Connie was immediate. “It was love at first sight,” he recalls. “She will not take her eyes off of me.” The service dog has helped Watts in more ways than he could have imagined. During a serious episode, Connie stayed by his side, licking him until he recovered. “She saved the day,” Watts says.
The Unseen Heroes: Veterans and Their Service Dogs
These veterans’ stories highlight the profound impact that service dogs can have on those suffering from PTSD. These loyal companions provide not just assistance with daily tasks but emotional support, security, and a sense of purpose. While the battle may never be fully over, these dogs give veterans the strength to fight on, proving that sometimes the most powerful healing comes not from medicine, but from the companionship of a devoted animal. As these veterans have shown, with the right help and support, there is always hope for a brighter future.
