Have you seen this story 'He Was My Rock': Veteran With PTSD Reunited With Military Dog?

2015-12-17T08:43:12-05:00

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.

'He Was My Rock': Veteran With PTSD Reunited With Military Dog

It nearly took an act of Congress, but former Marine David Pond has been reunited with Pablo, the dog who served with him in Afghanistan.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 17 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-12-17T08:46:33-05:00

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.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Dec 17 at 2015 8:47 AM

2015-12-17T08:47:05-05:00

They always say a dog is a man's best friend!

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 17 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-12-17T10:14:16-05:00

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.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Dec 17 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-12-17T10:30:20-05:00

As a friend of mine is fond of saying, the more I know people, the better I like my dog.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Dec 17 at 2015 7:20 PM

2015-12-17T19:20:32-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs - Mikel; I'm an absolute sucker for "military dog" stories like this one.

Response by PFC David Ryba made Dec 18 at 2015 8:35 AM

2015-12-18T08:35:15-05:00

Great story! Thanks for sharing.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2015 9:10 AM

2015-12-18T09:10:52-05:00

what a great story!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 18 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-12-18T11:09:06-05:00

The love for an animal can be immense.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 18 at 2015 6:01 PM

2015-12-18T18:01:52-05:00

I can understand and appreciate. I can put up a good act when necessary as far as being Social but is contrary to my Nature. I am an Introvert and probably one of the Strongest Bonds I have had is with my Dogs Maggie (Border Collie) and Missy (Tibetan Terrier).