SERVICE DOG HEALS PTSD FOR COMBAT VETERAN
MEET STAFF SERGEANT NICK BENNETT:
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Nick Bennett sustained multiple life-altering injuries after a rocket nearly nearly killed him in Mahmoudiyah, Iraq. Even after 26 surgeries to mend his leg and hand, the explosion still left him scarred with post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition to the physical damage caused to his body by the blast, Nick also began to suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
Along repercussions of his physical injuries, PTSD began robbing Nick of a normal life. He could no longer do things many people take for granted like going to a store or a ball game, even referring to himself as a shut-in.
That was until he received his service dog Festus.
"FESTUS HAS GIVEN ME MY LIFE BACK. HE NOT ONLY PERFORMS COMMANDS WHICH ALLOW ME TO PLAY WITH MY CHILDREN AGAIN, BUT ALSO TO ATTEND FUNCTIONS AND GO TO PLACES I HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO SINCE I WAS INJURED."
FINDING NEW LIFE WITH THE GIFT OF A SERVICE DOG.
Festus was bred and nurtured by Project 2 Heal, receiving Early Neurological Stimulation, Early Scent Introduction, and Puppy Prodigy nurturing during the Critical Phase of his life. Festus was donated to Indiana Canine Assistance Network for service dog training.
"There are many more of my brothers and sisters in arms that can benefit from a dog like Festus. Project 2 Heal in partnership with organizations like ICAN are making it possible for those of us in need to receive our dogs quick and in many cases at low to no cost. My wish is that you will give them your financial support so that they can help many more servicemen and women like me who have lost something in service but gain a friend for life when we receive a service animal like Festus."
Staff Sergeant Nicholas Bennett
United States Marine Corp.
Monthly donors—which we call, "Healing Pawtners"—are the foundation of Project 2 Heal and our mission of reducing the cost and time it takes to place a service dog with a person in need. We're the only nonprofit in the country dedicated to breeding, nurturing, and donating Labrador Retriever puppies to become service dogs for veterans, children with special needs, and adults with disabilities. Our work can change—and in some cases, save—lives of people in need.
Through your monthly donation of $10, $30, $50 or $100, you provide Project 2 Heal with a consistent and reliable source of funding to allow us to meet our mission.
As a Healing Pawtner You'll Enjoy:
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Knowledge that your donation will be immediately put to work.
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Monthly "Pup-Dates" via email.
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Opportunity to tour and visit our facility.
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Access to playtime with our service puppies in training.
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Car magnet to display and show your support.
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Ability to change or suspend your donation at any time.
