I served as an Army Combat Medic for 13 years. In 2004, my convoy was heading back to Baghdad when it was hit with an IED. I spent the next year at WalterReedHospital recovering from a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord compression, shrapnel wounds, hip and knee injuries. My road to recovery has been challenging – I’ve had seven surgeries to repair my injuries. I still have fierce migraines and problems with balance. PTSD continues to create anxiety for me when I’m in public or new places. My New Horizons service dog, Emmett, has been invaluable in helping me recover and live a more normal life. He was trained to provide balance and stability for me in addition to reassurance when I’m in public. He senses my anxiety and places himself between me and other people. For example, he stands behind me in line at the grocery store. These seemingly small things mean a lot to me.
