When a Warrior graduates from the K9s For Warriors program, it doesn’t mark the end of their journey; it’s just the beginning. The Veteran and Service Dog become battle buddies, working together to mitigate the debilitating symptoms of service-connected traumas so that Veterans can live the life they deserve.
K9s For Warriors makes its mission to continue supporting Veterans long after graduation and be there for all life has to offer, for both the ups and the downs.
For Warrior and Navy Veteran Justin, life after being paired with Service Dog Atlas, meant a new job. This new opportunity brought unexpected challenges and heightened stress, but Atlas has been the perfect partner through it all, mitigating the anxiety Justin was feeling.
“I spend all day, every day chatting with him, giving him scratches, telling him ‘thank you’ and just genuinely absorbing his presence,” Justin says.
Justin, diagnosed with PTSD in 2022, had previously felt overwhelmed with panic attacks and stress caused in social settings especially amidst the height of his diagnosis. He would avoid popular areas in the city in which he lived, traffic, festivals and more with large amounts of people on a regular basis. Now with Atlas by his side, he’s able to enjoy what once wouldn’t have been possible for him.
Although some days are harder than others, Justin shares that Atlas’ support never wavers.
“He’s been amazing – now, I actually go into a grocery store once in a while,” Justin says. “I talk to people at the golf club, which is something I did not do before pairing with Atlas. When my wife asks if I’d like to go somewhere to sightsee, dine out or whatever it may be, I think to myself ‘I wonder if Atlas would like to do or see that’ and we all end up having the best time together. I’m almost using him as an excuse for me to do activities outside of just what I need to do to survive.”
Justin & Atlas’ story is a meaningful reminder of the work K9s For Warriors matters and makes a real difference in their lives. Thank you for your support in making the mission of K9s For Warriors possible and for saving lives at both ends of the leash.
