Why did you join this program? My physiologist recommended it. Sounded like a better plan than the psych ward plan I was on. Medication, therapy and the pysch ward was not working. Ptsd, depression and anxiety where always less intense when I had a dog(s) in my life so the program seemed like a good fit.

How has this program made a difference in your life? It's given me a newfound purpose. I really enjoy training with Jojo every day. He is such a wonderful companion. He makes me do better, in general. We go somewhere almost every day. Without him, I may not leave the house but once a week to get food. I still have a really hard time with the general public but he makes it tolerable for at least a little while before having a meltdown. I've told many people that this is the single greatest gift, opportunity that I have ever received. I don't feel deserving of it sometimes, So we just work extra hard to be a good example.

What would you like for other veterans to know about this program? It's super! The people who run this school are the best of the best out there. Every one of them are amazing people who give lots and lots. They seem to really understand what's different about us than regular folks. The program is also a big commitment. Biggest and toughest commitment that I have made in a longtime. It's been good for the confidence that you’re not a total failure all the time. And the veterans are fantastic. Everyone is so nice and respectful to each other. It's great to see all the success everyone achieves from where we started with this program.

As you go forward how does this program continue to make an impact on your life? Jojo and I always look forward to participating with the class. It makes us feel like we belong somewhere, it's nice. And it's great to always continue to apply what we learned each day and continue to be better at the working relationship between the two of us. He teaches me something new each day. It's great.

If you have a support person (spouse, children, friend, relative) who participated in this journey with you, how has this program impacted them? My family is happy that I am happier. So that makes me happy. It's somewhat of a relief for them that I am a little more stable and more like my old self when I speak to them. 

Name and branch of service?  REGULAR ARMY 11M INFANTRY. (2ND ARM DIV./4TH INF DIV. Ft. Hood, TX) (3RD INF DIV. /1ST INF DIV. Schweinfurt, GE)

Justin & JoJo