What does your pet (dog, cat, etc) do to help improve your life after the military?

That is great, glad to see you are still driving forward.

It would appear that the VA does not follow up on or provide some sort of oversight to provide guidance or consistent application of the requirements to receive a service animal for the organization that provide service animals. Received my rating and Rx (letter from VA Healthcare System stating the need) for a service animal by the VA in 2018. Called around to multiple organizations via list provided by the VA asking questions and letting them know I have authorization and a Rx. Informed that I would have to go through their own medical review board after I completed a lengthy application process and sign a release of medical records. Then, if approved, the wait would be four years. This is absurd, already went through a "medical review board" by the VA and why would I give a 3rd party access to my medical records. Also, asked what kind of doctors would be reviewing my application. Was told by one organization, "Oh, there are no doctors on it, we just call it that." Hmmm, interesting.

One organization in North Texas stated I could make a donation of $10K and shorten the time period to two years. Asked if this would affect another veteran already in the queue, was told, "Yes, this would bump another person already inline." Hmmm, interesting and not the correct way to treat people.

Reached out to Rebuilding Warriors, they had already selected their recipients for 2019 and 2020. They were very helpful, understanding and put me in touch with their breeder Diamond Match German Shepherds, LLC that provides Service Animals. Was able to acquire a service animal from the very next available litter (not bumping anyone else). Diamond match has been training my service animal since last year with delivery in May/June of 2020 (with 1-2 weeks of one-on-one training). Keep in mind that I have been funding this activity via my VA compensation check since going through a Service Animal Provider Organization seemed prohibitive.

Just my thoughts and rants about the process - hope the group finds the above useful.

Damian and I have traveled many paths together. He keeps me moving forward. I wouldn't be here if not for this dog.

I have my Son 18, my Daughters 21, and 22 living with me and we have 6 dogs in my home that keep me company when they are either in college or working and I love all the dogs, my girls 2 huskies, my son's mixed breed, my Mastiff, and 2 chihuahuas are they are great companions for me and my family.

They all get along good also.

This is my Hennessey (Cane Corso Mastiff) she is my Service Dog and wakes me up if I stop Breathing, have a Plash Back, or if my heart gets Erratic, she has been a Lifesaver for me several times, my Daughter Patt snuck in my room and took our photo.

She loves my Electric Queen Size Hospital bed because it has Massage

My rescue cat is phenomenal. I found my little buddy that I can talk to and doesn’t think I’m crazy.

I have a young colt, who is my battle buddy

I have a lab which I trained in a group. She helps with my ptsd from Ventana .

My dogs are a lot smarter than a lot of troops I've had and damn near every 2LT.

i have a chihuahua who has been with me all his life. i can honestly say id be lost without him. to me, he gives true joy and love because they cannot fake that , we can as people, and thats how i know its genuine. at the end of the day , i know he will always be there for me and that is guaranteed. thankyou for letting me share. merry christmas to all my brothers in arms and all their special pets. HOOHAH!!!!!!!!!!

Canine Companions for Independence (cci.org) is another organization that provides Service Dogs to veterans free of charge. They are a wonderful organization that I am proud to say I am a volunteer Puppy Raiser for. If you don't think you need a Service Dog, then please look into becoming a Puppy Raiser. I am currently raising my third dog and it has increased my level of happiness knowing I am still helping others after having served 20 years.