Tommy the service dog saves veteran's life

Key Concepts

• Service Dogs: Dogs trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities.
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
• Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): A type of irregular and often rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart.
• Stroke: A medical emergency in which blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.
• Cardiac Ablation: A medical procedure used to correct heart rhythm problems.
• Service Dog Training: Specific techniques and purposes for training service animals.

Hank Ford's Experience with Service Dog Tommy

This transcript details the profound impact of a service dog named Tommy on the life of Hank Ford, a Marine and US Army veteran. Tommy's presence has significantly helped Hank manage the residual effects of his military service, particularly his tendency to be hypervigilant and distrustful in new environments. Hank states, "I walk into a place and I'm looking for exits. I'm watching everybody. I'm just not trusting anything that's going on. And with him, I'm just all that seems to have gone away."

Tommy's Life-Saving Intervention

The narrative highlights a critical incident where Tommy's actions likely saved Hank's life. In February, Hank was asleep when Tommy, a three-year-old yellow lab, began to panic and wake him up much earlier than his usual 7 a.m. routine. Tommy's behavior was unusual; instead of approaching Hank's face, he was "hitting me in the chest." This insistent action prompted Hank to feel "kind of off" and drive himself to the hospital.

Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

At the hospital, Hank was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), an irregular and rapid heartbeat. Doctors informed Hank that without Tommy's intervention, he might not have woken up or could have suffered a massive stroke. Hank remained in the hospital overnight and underwent shock treatment the following morning. During his hospital stay, Tommy remained by his side, "laid there with his nose looking right at me and just stared at me for hours."

Recovery and Ongoing Support

Nine months later, after also undergoing a cardiac ablation and starting medication, Hank reports feeling significantly better. Tommy continues to be an integral part of Hank's life, accompanying him to his part-time job as a golf course marshal. Tommy utilizes his "very impressive nose" to assist Hank in finding golf balls.

Dogs, Inc. - The Nonprofit Organization

The transcript emphasizes that Hank received Tommy two years prior from a nonprofit organization called Dogs, Inc. This organization not only provides service dogs to veterans but also offers guide dogs to individuals with visual impairments.

Conclusion

The story of Hank Ford and Tommy serves as a powerful testament to the life-changing capabilities of service dogs. Tommy's trained assistance has improved Hank's daily life by mitigating symptoms of his past trauma, and his instinctual, life-saving actions during a medical emergency underscore the deep bond and critical role these animals play in the well-being of veterans and others with disabilities. The organization Dogs, Inc. is credited with facilitating this vital partnership.