In this letter I hope to describe from my heart what a dog would mean to me. In 2005 I came back from deployment in Iraq. Since then I have had some issues with (PTSD). Overall I could still lead a pretty normal life as long as I stayed busy with school and work. Back in 2014 as a member of the Army National Guard my unit was mobilized to help with the recovery of victims that died in the mudslide in Oso, Washington. Since then my life has become very difficult on a consistent basis. I not only developed symptoms of PTSD related to the natural disaster, but the war related trauma I thought I had worked through returned. I could no longer work as a pastor, and I had to be medically retired from the military ending my career as a chaplain. My world has shrunk due to flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, hallucinations, panic attacks, nightmares, depression, and anxiety that plague me every day. There is a war in my head all the time. Many times when these symptoms get really bad, I need to be by myself. Neither my wife nor two kids can bring me peace or comfort in those moments. Three and a half years of treatment and I have only gotten worse.

Joe, the opportunity to get a dog has given me hope on three levels. First, I would have a companion that could be with me at all times. I would have another living being to be near at times when I cannot be around others. The dog would bring me comfort in a way that no human can. The dog would listen to everything I had to say with no judgement and complete privacy. Second, I would get out of my home more, I would exercise more and I would have a companion to accompany me into the world beyond my home and the war in my head. Third, I would be able to turn a corner in healing. The dog would provide a means of getting better where therapy and other treatments have not helped. I feel if I had a successful and positive experience with the dog, it would be the lift I need to start having success in the path towards healing. I may be able to relieve some of my symptoms and be able to look at returning to school and work. I would become once again the husband and father that my family needs. I think a dog would be the deposit for a new lease on life.

Justin D. Townley
Chaplain (Captain), US ARMY Retired