After defending the freedom of others, James found himself held captive to the effects of PTSD. Thanks to his Service Dog, Scottie, and supporters like you, he’s found the freedom to live again.
James’ family places public service above all. He followed suit by serving more than 22 years in the Marines and the Army.
From the first Gulf War as a Marine, to being among the first sent to Afghanistan in the wake of 9/11, he was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq a total of seven times, ultimately earning him a Purple Heart.
But his experiences during those two decades left invisible scars. After defending the freedom of others, he was held captive to the effects of PTSD.
Thankfully, friends like you helped change his life. In 2015, he met Shari Duval, the late founder of K9s For Warriors, whom Warriors and staff affectionately called “Mom.”
“After talking about my experiences and deployments with Shari, I broke down and Mom told me that she could help me,” he remembers.
James matched with his first Service Dog, Bernie, the following year and says he never looked back. He no longer isolated and started living again. After Bernie sadly passed away, James knew what he had to do — head back to K9s.
In May 2023, James was paired with his second Service Dog, Scottie.
“My bond with Scottie was instantaneous,” James says. “Having been through the program before, I was unsure how deep of a connection I would have with another dog … Scottie cast all doubt to the side, and in his own way let me know that he has my back.”
James is so thankful to have a second opportunity to enjoy life with a highly trained Service Dog by his side.
“It comes down to one word: FREEDOM,” James says. “He gives me the freedom to move around and live my life."
Because of you, Warriors like James can find the freedom to live.
