We understand PTSD survivors really want to live a normal life. We understand anonymity. So we are putting ourselves out there.

   Diane S. - At my age the trauma perpetrators are all dead...so, here it goes.

1st I come from a family made up of rapists, drunkards, drug addicts, and worse. They would pull you out of a ditch to throw you in the river. My mother abandoned me before my first birthday. My biological father  a -Drill Instructor in the Marines- was rarely around (thankfully). I was given to my grandmother and uncle to be raised - both drunks. I had an aunt and uncle living across the street in a one bedroom house. I thought they were married. Nope. Siblings. My last step father did several tours in Vietnam for the Army. He LOVED IT! I think I have given you enough information for you to paint any picture you want and you will probably be correct. Continual never ending trauma was my kissing cousin. I didn't have time to recover one episode before another began. I just looked for ways to survive the day. My dog was always my landing place for comfort, safety, and as much sanity as my life allowed. 

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John S - Marine. Desert Storm. A man of vety few words. Cowboy as a way of life. Carpenter by trade.

The value of my canine partner: I can tell him anything I can not share with others. He gets me involved in activities thru dog sports that I would not otherwise be involved in. I have met people I would have never connected with if not for him. He keeps me active and engaged in my life. 

My advise - get one. 

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Richard P. - 28 years in total in law enforcement. * Washingto DC in the 70's on SWAT team. * Williamson County County Sheriff dept. * Arson investigation for the Tennessee dept. of insurance. *Worked the Maury County TN jail fire (look that one up). Was rock solid until not. When I dropped - I landed in the hospital. My wife brought my support dog to see me everyday. Joe is a retired show dog. His breed is Italian Greyhound. We both have one. The spouse and family live with these traumas with us. It takes a huge toll on them also. Most wives say "have a good day" mine said "be careful". Our dogs have helped us in to many ways to even mention. I say get two. One for you and one for your spouse.