As a Veteran who served as a medical technician during Desert Storm, I found myself amidst a lot of trauma—both mental and physical. When I returned home, I thought I was fine. I thought that my experience in the military had ended when I left the battlefield. But I quickly discovered that the emotional and mental scars followed me home.
The sounds and smells of daily life would trigger vivid memories. The sound of helicopters flying over brought back memories of incoming wounded. The smell of fireworks reminded me of random explosions. Even though the explosions weren’t close enough to cause harm, the constant stress of hearing loud noises during my time in the military had taught me to stay alert, to sleep on edge.
I came home, returned to my life with my small children, and worked as a CNA for a quadriplegic man. I thought I had left behind the war-torn faces, limbs, and broken spirits. But I found that I had brought them with me.
I was diagnosed with PTSD, sleep apnea, depression, TMJ, migraines, hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, and a host of bronchial issues. My life was full of triggers—like a severe startle reflex to loud noises. Even as a passenger in a car, I had an irrational fear of how close the cars around me were. I had my “Oh shit” handle that I would grab, and I imagined slamming on the brakes. These constant anxieties kept me locked in my home, where I felt “safe.”
As a Veteran, I was seen and given multiple medications to manage my symptoms. But, despite the many support groups available, I never truly found comfort in them.
It wasn’t until I volunteered at Medical Mutts that my path to healing truly began. Initially, I thought helping to train dogs for others might help me work through my issues. But I quickly realized my heightened sensitivity to loud barking and my startle reflex made me a poor fit for that task. Instead, I decided to foster dogs in training.
That’s when Flash came into my life. He and I started a journey of trust—something that was difficult for me, but Flash seemed to know exactly how to reach me. I tried not to get too attached since he was supposed to be trained for someone else, but when I learned there were no requests for a small dog like Flash (he was only 11 pounds at the time), my guard dropped, and I adopted him.
Soon after adopting Flash, my family and I relocated away from Indianapolis, making training a challenge. I drove from St. Louis, MO, to Indianapolis for certifications, and I continued Flash’s training with online classes. But slowly, with patience and hard work, Flash became the steady presence I needed.
Flash was trained in all the essential behaviors, from leash walking to navigating elevators, stairwells, and crowds. He became so skilled that taking him out in public became effortless. Whether it was going to the grocery store or attending my grandkids’ school functions, I was no longer confined to my home. Thanks to Flash, I was able to navigate public spaces with confidence, something I never thought I could do again.
Flash has also become invaluable in helping me manage my hearing loss. He alerts me when someone is at the door or when a package is dropped off, constantly keeping an eye on my surroundings. Even in a crowded airport or a quiet library, he stays by my side, allowing me to be present in those spaces without worry.
But Flash doesn’t just help me navigate the world—he also helps me through moments of anxiety. When I feel overwhelmed, he looks to me, offering the comfort of his presence or even hopping into my lap. His big brown eyes look up at me, silently asking if he can help, and in those moments, my stress melts away.
Flash has even helped me manage my sleep apnea. He sleeps with me every night and senses when my breathing becomes irregular. He’ll nudge me, lick my face, or jump on me to wake me up, ensuring I get the rest I need. My husband was amazed when Flash graduated from comforting me during a migraine to waking me up during episodes of sleep apnea. Flash has also become my medication reminder, nudging me to take my meds during severe migraines. As a result, I’ve noticed that the frequency of my migraines has significantly decreased, which is a huge relief.
Flash is the reason I can function in the world, and I believe he’s played a significant role in making my migraines more manageable. His steady companionship and unwavering support have made all the difference in my life.
He’s more than just a service dog. He’s my best fur ball, and I’m forever grateful for the bond we share.
Best Fur Ball Ever!