A Veteran’s Story of Healing with His Service Dog
Leland was matched with Kayla on October 2, 2023, at K9 Partners for Patriots in Brooksville, Florida and our lives changed the instant she picked him. Below is Leland’s story from his wife Abby’s perspective.
Tell me three things that are different since Kayla picked you?
- “I have a reason to get up and do things with her in the morning.
- “Stability, she helps me stay steady, and if I fall, now I know I have help getting back on my feet, or she will come to find me.”
- “Nice to take a nap with!” After giving him side eyes, he continued,” Comfort. When she comes up to me and puts her paws by my side and her head in my lap, it feels fantastic; I can’t describe it. When I get upset, she helps calm me down.”
Vietnam War Veteran
Leland is a Vietnam Veteran who carried an M-60 Machine gun in 1970-71. He has PTSD and struggles with other issues due to Agent Orange. Physical movement is challenging, and social activity is mentally painful. Before Kayla joined his team, he would stay on the couch, not dressing for days, and only got up to go to the bathroom. I would be lucky to get three sentences from him some days. We would have a few good days then back to the couch.
The Change is Incredible
Then Kayla picked Leland as a partner. The change is incredible. He now walks her in the mornings, usually 20 to 30 minutes. I do not go as it is time for bonding and practicing lessons. He engages neighbors in conversations along the way. Most days, they take an evening walk or play in the backyard. He actively looks for new places and experiences for them.
When PTSD kicks his butt, Kayla is his first line of defense. I have learned from Kayla’s actions when Leland’s having a tough day. She is at his side to comfort him and help him cope in her silent ways.
When Glucose Levels Fall to a Dangerous Level…
Due to Leland’s exposure to Agent Orange, there are times when, despite our best efforts, his glucose levels fall to a dangerous level. There have been times when they’ve been out for a walk, and Kayla has refused to go any further. Once, when he managed to get home, his glucose was 53, and a few times, it was in the low 60s. A satisfactory level is between 70 and 180. Kayla knew he needed to head home.
The Best Medicine
With Kayla here, Leland does sleep better at night, though he is still not in bed all night, so when he moves to the couch, she moves with him.
The saying “Laughter is the best medicine” applies, as Kayla certainly has brought more laughter into our home. Sometimes, it is just the goofy stuff she does, like grabbing a shoe and running outside when she wants to play or the crazy way she lays when asleep. While she has only been here since October 2, 2023, she has enriched his life and, in doing so, has enriched mine also.
Purpose
So now, Leland has a special purpose for getting up and moving. Her name is Kayla, and she is his K9 partner. They were both rescued at K9 Partners for Patriots, and she’s got his six.
