An emotional support dog was the last thing we envisioned as we welcomed yet another newborn puppy into our family. We named her Shadow.
As the years rolled by and she grew into her wonderful, goofy self, my husband's connection to her was obvious. They were besties.
Ken's Navy seal days had long been over but his military service had left him with permanent scars. He lives with PTSD. Nothing can prepare you for the ugliness the disorder can bring on a daily basis - both to the sufferer and to those they love.
The military certainly doesn't.
My husband lives with the memories and I live with the way the memories affect him. One day, several years ago, he decided to train Shadow to be his emotional support dog. I knew it would be a good thing, I just didn't know how good.
During the day, Ken stays busy and Shadow waits close by. She doesn't always get to go in the car with him and you can tell by her demeanor when he's away.
She makes him laugh, he gives her people-food. He roughhouses with her, she makes him forget for a while.
Shadow brings him feelings of joy, comfort, and maybe best of all, relief. Especially at night. Ken was also physically wounded so his leg bothers him a lot. Between the nightmares and the pain, he has to be completely worn out to go to sleep.
He says Shadow is the perfect size and weight to lean comfortably against and to prop his leg up on which helps him get some rest. She has given him so many moments of "It's going to be all right."
She's getting older now, and gray, but she still gets around okay. Just a little slower. They're propping each other up these days. I know how blessed I am having a hero for my hero. Because Shadow has given my husband exactly what he needs. Complete. Emotional. Support.
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