I am a former NYPD police officer. I retired after 20 years, and like many of my fellow officers, I spent countless grueling hours at Ground Zero after 9/11. I now live with PTSD and all its negative and life altering effects. One day I learned of an open house at America’s VetDogs. I live nearby and decided to go. It was a small decision that has had a huge impact on my life and that of my family’s. At the open house, I met people who were truly caring and concerned about what I was experiencing and who could offer real help. I saw service dogs in action. I talked to disabled veterans and first responders who had service dogs. Their stories and encouragement moved me to apply. 

When our beloved family dog Boo had died in 2023, I was devastated. I’d relied on him in ways even I didn’t fully recognize. When I lost Boo, I fell into depression. It was a very rough time, and I was still struggling when my son died suddenly a few months later. It is hard to describe how difficult this time was for me, but if you have experienced loss, I think you can imagine. The grief was overwhelming me. Therapists, friends, and family had been pushing me to consider a service dog that could help with my PTSD and depression. I’m thankful that people like you know what a gift a service dog is to people like me and that you choose to support America’s VetDogs. I found help there because your gifts ensure that disabled veterans and first responders like me have free access to the healing power of these amazing 
animals.

In my family a love of baseball (and specifically the New York Mets) has been an important touchstone for generations. Baseball connects us and many good memories revolve around Shea Stadium, the Mets’ original home. In fact, I was at a game, still struggling emotionally and thinking of my son when I asked him for help. I felt a little hope, and not long afterward I was at another game when I received a phone call with some amazing news. I’d had a few casual conversations with staff at America’s VetDogs that had revolved around my love of baseball and the Mets. So, when it was time to place Shea, the Puppy With a Purpose® who was raised with help from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, they thought of me. It was a whirlwind of activity from there.

A short time later I met Shea for the first time and the bond was immediate. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. 

For me, the worst part of PTSD is the nightmares. Shea is trained specifically for nightmare interruption. His bed is next to mine, and he doesn’t leave my side. Just knowing he’s there reduces my anxiety and that comfort helps reduce those horrible dreams. Shea is always looking out for me in a special way. He is a confident dog who is very attentive and a good judge of people. Shea and I have been together for close to a year now. Thanks to him I’m a better husband, father, and grandparent to my seven grandchildren, and I can enjoy the love and support that is all around me. Without him, I’m not sure where I’d be. Shea keeps me active and laughing and I see how that affects them. Shea means so much to my whole family — he’s brought joy back to us and filled the void with love.

Thank you for ensuring that disabled veterans and first responders like me who need service dogs like Shea can get them. Your contributions have helped make my life better. Please continue your support of America’s VetDogs because there are many others out there who also need a service dog. Let’s help them too. And also, let’s go Mets!!