Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served in Afghanistan (2013-2014) for the Navy as a Naval Special Warfare female engagement team member and in Iraq (2014-2015) as an expeditionary intelligence specialist.

Tell us how your dog is helping you continue Still Serving in your community.

My dog, a 6-year old Goldendoodle named Killian, is a certified Emotional Support Dog and often attends functions and goes to work with me. He is a breath of fresh air in an office setting and I immediately feel my co-workers relax when he is around. A canine companion is such a valuable tool for veterans and their mental and physical health.

Why do you do it?

After three back-to-back combat deployments, I had to admit to myself that my mental health was in shambles. When I arrived home, I took a 91-day paddling expedition down the Mississippi River for my PTSD and improve my mental health with a non-profit veteran organization called Warrior Expeditions. During that trip, I experienced a lot of emotions and had time and solitude to deal with my issues and by the end of the trip, I decided the healthiest thing I could do for myself was to get a dog, which would force me to settle down and not take another deployment. I realized a dog would give me purpose and happiness, and he has done that and more. I have had my dog, Killian, for 6 years now and I owe my life, current successes, and overall happiness to him. A canine companion is such a valuable tool for veterans and their mental and physical health.