Holiday shopping is something many of us take for granted. But for Hannah, a Navy Veteran, busy stores packed with people caused anxiety that kept her from going shopping with her son.
“Christmas shopping is something that I used to love doing,” Hannah says. “Now with Finn, I can go with my son without worrying about my anxiety. I enjoy Christmas shopping again thanks to Finn.”
Hannah discovered K9s For Warriors after doing independent research as part of a paper she was writing for a psychology course, with the subject being ‘nonprofits with a purpose she related to.’ She was immediately impressed with the organization and decided to apply in hopes that a Service Dog would help her to stop feeling like a bystander in her own life.
In 2024, Hannah was paired with Service Dog Finn, a Black Lab.
“Finn has become the anchor I need,” she shares.
For many Veterans, PTSD keeps them from taking part in activities they once loved. It can rob them of connections with family and friends — increased anxiety and depression leave many Veterans feeling like they must bear their invisible wounds alone.
But Service Dogs help Veterans like Hannah with the symptoms of PTSD and provide unwavering love and loyalty. Now, thanks to you, Hannah can live in the moment and enjoy her life again.
“I was told once that PTSD isn’t just a memory of the past; it’s a thief of the present,” Hannah says. “With Finn, I feel grounded. He brings me back to myself and stops me from spiraling.”
She can attest to the fact that the bond formed between a Veteran and Service Dog improves their lives significantly. In just a short time, a Service Dog can help lower blood pressure and those suffering from trauma feel more relaxed.
“My husband has noticed that I smile more,” Hannah says. “He noticed it the first day I met Finn. When I sent him the picture of our meeting, he said, ‘I like the dog, but I love your smile more.’”
These dogs transform into more than mere companions. They serve as crucial lifelines, providing a form of healing that conventional medicine and therapy often fall short of delivering on their own.
It’s thanks to supporters of K9s For Warriors that Hannah has been able to rekindle her holiday spirit.
