Gordon and Nala
As combat veteran, I am very grateful for the help and support I have received from Soldier's Best Friend (SBF). I have had many difficulties including physical challenges. I have PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, and a spinal injury that left me with chronic pain. It would be an understatement for me to say "some of my days have been not as good as other days". In searching for better quality of life, I was introduced to Nala. Nala is a rescue dog that was screened and placed with me through SBF. With assistance from the trainers at SBF, Nala and I can now perform as a team. We get through some of the daily trials that I have. For example, Nala is able to make herself as a brace. This is especially helpful to me when my back pain makes it difficult to stand up or when I lose my balance from medication. When we go out in public she watches my back, alerting me when people are near. I have terrible nightmares. They would make the movie nightmare on Elm Street seem like a Disney movie. Nala has the ability to sense my discomfort and wake me up during a traumatic event like this. I have bonded with Nala and can count on her to be there for me and to get through the challenges that each day presents.
