Service dog and training provided by Operation Freedom Paws.

“With Max, I actually leave my house now. I didn’t really used to do much of anything by myself. I wouldn’t go to the grocery store or even go out for a walk. When I got Max it helped me feel protected enough to go out in public. With my mobility problems I didn’t feel that I could protect myself. Having the constant vigilance that war brings, the world does not feel safe for me. Max is very sweet but sometimes he looks a little intimidating to people so it’s nice to have a dog that has that reputation. He wouldn’t ever do anything, he’d just lick someone to death.

“When I have nightmares, Max will sit there and stare at me until I wake up. He’ll put his paw on my chest and wake me up. It brings me back to reality so that I’m not back in that flashback moment, that I’m actually safe in my bed.”

-Misty Louie