Historically, dogs are known as man's best friend. However, in some cases, they are much more than a friend - they are a lifeline.
The Yakima-based Paws for Heroes organization was created to raise and train puppies that can eventually become service dogs that will help ensure veterans' safety and restore their independence.
"I love Barney, but he is a working dog first and a pet second," explained Staff Sgt. Aaron McCarthy, who suffered from a traumatic brain injury and onset of Parkinson's disease following his last deployment, while petting the top of his companion's head. "He goes everywhere I go and I've seen him ‘help' other guys when I am at the Warrior Transition Battalion. He is important."
McCarthy became involved with Paws for Heroes so that he could help others get the same thing he had - a four-legged helper to make life more manageable and less stressful.  
For one Joint Base Lewis-McChord family, the addition of a service dog has already changed their lives. 1st Sgt. Paul Huston and his wife, Amanda, have four sons, including 11-year-old Jeremy, who suffers from Sturge-Weber Syndrome. The neurological disorder often causes repeated seizures, ADHD and glaucoma, among other complications. Their newest family member, a golden retriever pup named Banyan, will be trained for seizure alert as well as balance and mobility behavior.
Banyan, who was obtained through the Oregon Assistance Dogs nonprofit, will also be taught basic obedience, but will also gain experience behaving properly in various settings, from church and schools to crowded malls and concerts, where loud noises are almost guaranteed.
The Hustons have been stationed at JBLM for more than a decade, mainly due to Jeremy's medical issues, and Huston has served on active duty for 21 years. The family has gone through multiple deployments, and taking on the responsibility of a service dog was a little daunting, especially considering that they would be required to drive to Oregon (a six-hour roundtrip ride) three times a month for training.
This is where Paws for Heroes stepped in to help.
"Staff Sgt. McCarthy helped me find a local trainer and explained that Paws for Heroes would cover the costs, which is upwards of $2,500," Amanda explained. "With Paul deployed and me handling the boys on my own, that was a huge benefit for our family. Plus their generosity has allowed me to attend classes with Jeremy and Banyan, without taking too much time away from my other children."
Most recently, Paws for Heroes worked with the Washington National Guard's Joint Service Support (J9) office to dedicate two puppies, which will now be trained as service dogs and eventually given to qualifying veterans. The dogs, once trained, will have the skills to work with physically disabled individuals as well as those suffering from a TBI or post traumatic stress.
"Jeremy will soon have the freedom to go places he never could because Banyan will go with him," Amanda said. "'Thank you' just doesn't seem like enough to say, but we are truly thankful for their help."
For more information about Paws for Heroes, visit www.facebook.com/PawsForHeroes.

Other stories to check out...

Breathing and PTSD

How to ship cookies safely overseas

Website for TBI help