Service Animals Taking Care of Those Who Served Our Country
By: Tabnie Dozier
Updated: November 12, 2012
In celebration of Veterans Day, one Tri-State organization is helping those that serve our country battle another war; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and other illnesses faced when returning home. For Chad Halterman, he served a year in Iraq and says he hasn't been the same since, sleepless nights, anxiety, PTSD and trying to adjust to life back home. But thanks to Evansville based Soldier Dogs for Independence, that adjustment is getting a lot easier. We hear that dogs are a man's best friend, for Halterman, his Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Sarge is a key reason for his improvements. Soldier Dogs for Independence Founder Bobbi Jo Bottomley helped make this relationship possible. Bottomley finds four legged soulmates from rescue shelters and pairs them with disabled veterans. But as lovable as Sarge is, this is his job, Halterman asks that Sarge not be swarmed and petted in public because it can distract sarge from being by his side. For Bottomley, this service is a small way to pay it forward, and these two are undoubtedly a perfect pair. All disabled veterans are taught how to train their dogs, and attend weekly classes. Soldier Dogs for Independence is a non-profit organization- if you are in need of help or would like to donate head to www.tsk9u.com or call 812-305-4737.
