Valentine’s Day—normally just a regular day. For one who was a skeptic and even made the comment that Jimmy John was her Valentine, chocolates, flowers, blah, blah, blah…I have to say that my attitude has changed (although yesterday was really just a Tuesday).
This year, Valentine’s Day was spent with my husband (our first as husband and wife), and Memphis. We had a nice evening at home with some delicious Quatros pizza (and so sorry for those of you who are not local but love Quatros). We watched T.V., and enjoyed each other’s company…chatting about our day, what the rest of the week looked like, and how stuffed we were from our dinner.
I thought about how lucky we are to have a furry valentine in Memphis…not just on Valentine’s day, but every day. He is loving. He takes very good care of his dad day in and day out. He is smart. He is happy (and very happy when he gets a treat or a new toy).
What I realized is that there are many Veterans in need of a life-changing service dog. I watched my husband struggle, and although he was silent about some of it, I knew that he struggled with daily activities in life–his job which produced triggers or bad memories at times…I knew that being in public was stressful because there were always too many people, not enough visible exits, and just overall uneasiness.
Memphis is highly trained–we are so grateful for that. He can specifically help Sam in situations when I cannot. Memphis is a lifeline, Sam’s best friend. He can help him with nightmares, alert him when he is nervous or uneasy, and he makes day to day life bearable, enjoyable…he helps Sam live life.
I feel that so many Veterans could benefit from the assistance of a service dog. Veterans who suffer from PTSD, nightmares/flashbacks, TBI…I think there is a need for understanding and support of our Veterans, and especially those who have and could potentially have service dogs to help them navigate life.
What makes love Memphis, even more, is the fact that he provides support and love when I cannot…he is Sam’s corner when I can’t be, he is Sam’s comfort when I am not around, he is Sam’s rock, he is Sam’s furry Valentine all the time—all day, every day.
That makes my heart melt.
If you have tried to understand the ins and outs and challenges and struggles of PTSD, I am with you. At times, I can’t fathom it or wrap my head around it, but I know that a sweet, loving, big furry ball of energy has Sam’s back and can help navigate that PTSD when I am not around. Learning to be patient, especially when one (including Sam at times) can be irritable, anticipating anniversary dates, and providing a listening ear is a good start. I know it is not easy at times, but small steps—those definitely help.
One thing I have learned is not to say “I understand” when I cannot understand—you can listen, but you don’t have to reply, and you don’t have to judge. Know that it might be hard for a Veteran to share some of their most traumatic experiences…and know that they may want to tell you, they just aren’t sure how. More than likely, a Veteran does not want to overwhelm someone or lose them for fear of what might be said—but, can you imagine having a canine companion to tell those things to? A friend who listens and loves you no matter what?
That also makes my heart melt.
This Valentine’s Day was special–nothing fancy–nothing over the top…just a night with two of my favorite guys…
We LOVE Quatro’s Pizza! This was our Valentine dinner!! We were also able to support This Able Veteran by purchasing our dinner last night!! <3