After having been paired with Gunner , a lovable five-year-old lab who wound up accompanying Ramirez through her day-today life , she has since regained her sense of self and been able to see her way through to a successful academic career and a meaningful family life .
Staff Sgt . Carlos E . Cruz can now swim peacefully , getting healthy exercise while his pal Logan sits patiently by the side of his community pool , wagging his tail .
“ It ’ s more of a trust issue . I know he has my back , so I ’ m able to do whatever I have to do . I struggle every day with isolation and depression . Being part of Freedom Dogs has actually gotten me out of that hole ,” Cruz shared with Giving Back Magazine .
There is a persistent need for the work that Freedom Dogs undertakes . About 20 % of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan will develop moderate to severe PTSD . It can happen to anyone ; it is not a sign of weakness . It is a terrible by-product of simple humanity , that ironically , can now turn to a four-legged friend for help .
The routine trials of those engaged in the defense of a nation are sometimes inconceivable to those who stand outside the conflicts of our times . But how daunting are the battles fought by a mind in distress , spinning towards isolation and despair ? The numbers of those who opted out of that existence because they were unable to find the help they needed are beyond tragic and growing .
What began as the work of a trauma nurse who saw the tangible benefits that a service dog could provide those in need of care , has now grown beyond an organization that simply affords comfort . Freedom Dogs is part of the relief that comes from knowing that true survival , far away from the frontline , is on its way .
Sponsors and donors of Freedom Dogs turn hope into reality .
Now in its sixth year , the Freedom Dogs Golf Tournament at Del Mar Country Club is a celebration of the service dogs , their Marines and everyone who comes together for the greater good . To be held March 1st , 2019 , the golf tournament is followed by a silent auction , dinner and presentation . For more information about the golf tournament and other ways to contribute , please visit www . freedomdogs . org .
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