Unwanted stray dog helps Army veteran battle substance abuse and PTSD

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
"Dan joined the Army just out of high school in 1986 and served until 2007. He’s proud of his military service and his ability to help those in need, like the time he helped build a school in a small Honduran village. Another high point he recalls with great excitement was providing security for the 2002 Winter Olympics, where he met many of the athletes.

“I served two years in Afghanistan as a combat engineer and I’m very proud I had the chance to do it,” says Dan. “It was a life-changing experience.”

COMBAT STRESS TRIGGERS PTSD
Still, Dan’s time overseas took its toll. Like so many service members returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he was traumatized by his experiences and now suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. All of things he once loved – fishing and hiking in the mountains, going to yard sales and even simple interactions with his beloved wife, Holly – overwhelmed him. He was uncharacteristically short-tempered and very nervous in crowds.

Dan needed help.

The local Veterans Administration directed Dan to Canines With A Cause, a not-for-profit organization that helps shelter dogs find homes by training them as companion pets or service animals for individuals in need – including veterans."...

I wouldn't say it was a stray...I think it was lost originally at just the right time to be found...God's perfect timing!