TESTIMONIALS

Today marks 6 months clean and sober—a milestone I never imagined I could reach without the grace of God, the unwavering support of the VA, Midwest Battle Buddies, Trainer Kayla, and my entire recovery community. But above all, I want to share how my service dog in training, Beth, has transformed this journey in ways I never expected.

Beth has been more than a companion—she’s been a lifeline. Through the hardest days battling PTSD and mental health struggles, her presence reminds me that I’m not alone. She senses my anxiety before I speak it, grounds me when my thoughts spiral, and offers unconditional love in moments where I felt unworthy of any.

Training with Beth has given me purpose and structure. She’s helped me rebuild trust—not just in others, but in myself. The discipline and care it takes to train her mirrors the discipline and care I’ve had to give my own recovery. She helps me get outside when I want to shut down. She interrupts my panic. She gives me something to believe in when doubt tries to creep back in.

I truly believe the Lord placed Beth in my life for a reason. I wouldn’t be here without Him guiding this path, without the dedication of Trainer Kayla, and without the community that continues to lift me up. Today, I celebrate 6 months of sobriety with a heart full of gratitude—and a paw in my hand.

I have had Annie for 6 years and she has saved my life several times since she has been trained as a Diabetic Service Dog.  

Being a Type 1 Diabetic and asymptomatic, she is a blessing to understand the signs that I miss.  She knows exactly how to get my attention.  

Thanks to the Midwest Battle Buddies for providing her to me and allowing her to work with me to live a productive life.

What can I say about Midwest Battle Buddies (MBB) without being cheesy? They are understanding and compassionate; more than we are toward ourselves as Veterans. At least myself anyway. They allow my doggie Tony and me to work as a team even though the training isn’t easy. To train with my best doggie friend is hard work but it pays off. Not to mention that the trainers give constant encouragement, and help when I needed it.

They were also very understanding if I was sick and could not make any of the sessions. When I first started, I was constantly frustrated: Why can’t Tony just do what he did in training, at HOME? Why does he still pull his leash? And why does he still not come WHEN I CALL HIM?

The answer is consistency, patience and lastly, being grown enough to be vocal about my problems with our trainer. MBB isn’t just a paper corporation; they are real people with real advice and help. They have everything I would ever need: a paper guide, videos, and a messaging system where I could ask for help if I forgot to ask during the sessions. I will always appreciate them for not only accepting my dog Tony and myself  but constantly reaching out and being reassuring during our journey. It means more than anything I could put into words.

One of the most common questions I get when I walk around with Dixon is, "So you're a trainer. Are you going to give him up once he's trained?" This question reminds me of the time when I get my free meal at Applebee's on Veterans Day. I'm often overlooked while the older gentleman wearing the "Vietnam Veteran" hat is asked by the hostess, "Are you a Veteran?" And then seated before me while I'm overlooked as the other male Veterans get a "thank you for your service." This, unfortunately, proves people still judge others from the outside. Perhaps it's because I'm still young, I'm not blind or have a prosthetic, or perhaps it's because I'm a female.

I've never been fully open with my story in detail with others (other than with my psychiatrists) but I am a victim of Military Sexual Trauma who deals with anxiety and depression that is heightened in certain settings, circumstances and situations. All those "this is the face of depression" ads ring true. On the outside, I may go about my day to day activities just like any normal woman with a smile, normal conversation, and casual attitude. But, what others don't see, is the battle and struggle I deal with in my thoughts on a day to day basis. 

Battle Buddies and Dixon has made my day to day struggles with reality so much easier. Even though the Battle Buddies crew may only meet once a week and hang out on occasion, when we greet each other, it's with a genuine smile. We may not dig deep into our emotions for that week (just like I hardly do with any of my closest friends) But with each smile and handshake, we're saying "I know what you're going through, and I'm there for you brother/sister and I'm glad you're here." Even though I may get irritated when strangers judge me on the outside with their prying questions, or when they insist on talking to me for 30 minutes about their poodle, Battle Buddies gave Dixon and I the chance and opportunity to bring awareness and education to those who are unfamiliar with different types of disabilities and that veterans aren't just your 70 year old grandparent.

 I don't spill my whole story or anything, but we are all around you and every one of us has our own story. We are young/older. We are male/ female. We have physical impairments on the outside you see, and disabilities on the inside you may never see or know the daily battle of. Battle Buddies has helped me in my battle by training by buddy to be in tune with what's going on with me on the inside, before anyone else does. This couldn't have happened without them.

Thank you!