Posted on Dec 17, 2015
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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Have you seen this story 'He Was My Rock': Veteran With PTSD Reunited With Military Dog?

RP Members another Good News Story and Reunion - Enjoy!

Check out the Video!

He endured the trauma of war with man's best friend. Now a young veteran is hoping a reunion with his canine comrade will finally bring him peace of mind.

For seven harrowing months in 2011, Lance Cpl. David Pond and his military working dog, Pablo, canvassed the roads of Afghanistan, nosing out hidden bombs that could take out a platoon. They survived scores of combat patrols and more than 30 firefights.

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/he-was-my-rock-veteran-ptsd-reunited-military-dog-n481166

"He was my rock, my foundation," Pond, 27, said of the Belgian malinois who became his best friend and protector.

"He saved my life more than once."

Their bond seemed unbreakable, but when they were split up when Pond's service ended in 2011. The Marine went home to Colorado, and the dog moved on to stateside assignments.

Back on U.S. soil, Pond faced a new battle: post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. And his troubles sparked a quest — to bring Pablo home.

It was a harder and longer journey than he expected. There were letters to politicians, an online petition and some red tape to cut through, but this week it finally happened.
Edited >1 y ago
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SSgt Jim Gilmore
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As a friend of mine is fond of saying, the more I know people, the better I like my dog.
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LTC Stephen F.
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Edited >1 y ago
COL Mikel J. Burroughs i had not this story 'He Was My Rock': Veteran With PTSD reunited with military dog. I hope that Pablo helps Lance Cpl. David Pond recover as much as possible form the effects of PTSD.
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Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth
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People who have never had a dog don't understand. Especially one that this young man had and the shared experiences in a combat zone. I hope this helps him heal.
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SN Donald Hoffman
SN Donald Hoffman
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I can’t agree more Scott. Something has to be done to insure the dogs stay with them after wards. Being separated from the dog is equivalent to losing a spouse. They both need a forever home. I was in sub force, but my dogs have always kept be going.
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