David Sharpe is an Air Force veteran that was deployed twice in the Middle East. In one of his missions, he came face to face with a Taliban sympathizer and almost lost his life. When he returned home, he was depressed and traumatized.
A doctor diagnosed him with PTSD, as well as some of his friends in the service. Sadly, two of them committed suicide later on.
Like many veterans with the condition, David turned to prescription drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. But it was always a temporary solution. The depression and stress always came back with a vengeance. So he decided to adopt a puppy.
Life-saving pooch
David named the puppy Cheyenne. And although he loved the dog so much, it didn’t fully get him off his depression. There were times when he felt like putting a gun in his mouth and ending it all. But he couldn’t do it with the dog in the same room.
One time, when he was feeling very anxious, he tried to end his life again. He placed his pistol in his mouth, and just as he was about to pull the trigger, the Cheyenne came to his room, sat by his side, and started licking his face. That’s when he realized that he has a purpose in life.
His dog needed him.
Saving others
David’s experience with his dog inspired him to help his fellow veterans. So he started a nonprofit charity organization called Companions for Heroes. Its mission is to help veterans diagnosed with mental illness by pairing them with trained service dogs.
They find suitable service dog candidates from shelters and train them. All of the expenses are handled by the charity group. They then give them to veterans who otherwise would not have afforded the expenses.
Not only are they really saving the lives of these veterans who served their country, but they are also saving the lives of shelter dogs.
Source: Companions for Heroes via Facebook