Your support helps save a veteran struggling with invisible wounds from combat, and helps save a homeless dog by giving it a new purpose as a psychiatric service dog. Fundraising and sharing our mission helps us serve veterans and shelter dogs like US Army veteran Richard and his service dog, Seth.

"I was a 68W (combat medic) in the U.S. ARMY for four years. I got out of the military fairly soon after I got back from Iraq, and I realized over a period of time that things weren't the same. When we returned to California things got worse. Not one thing ever seemed normal after coming home. I couldn't last more than a short period in stores. Id swerve away from things in the road in fear that it might be a roadside bomb. Everything started to scare me. Crowds, loud noises, fear of being attacked, fear of being alone, walking outside early in the morning and not seeing whats around me when it's dark.

Everyday started to feel like it was my last day.

At some point I went to the VA for help. I got pumped full of over a dozen medications. To this day I cant say for sure which ones help or help enough to make me feel semi-normal. When I applied for Shelter to Soldier it was at the end of my road.

The day I got accepted to STS was a day I'll never forget. I teared up in joy after the call. Im not alone anymore. In the military you're never alone. There is always at least one other person with you. When you return your weapon and leave the military, its like taking your armor off. Now you're vulnerable. Seth helps me feel protected again. In a calming way.

When Im at work and start to stress, I lay down and Seth comes to me. He is like a blood pressure medication on four legs. He will apply pressure to me in some way. Laying on my chest. Putting his head under my neck. I know my panic attacks have reduced. Since Seth, I haven't been to the ER once. We use movement tasks to get us through places. He watches my back when people are behind me, which reduces the urge to constantly look behind me. When I drive, Seth puts his head on my shoulders.

Seth feels like having a person keep watch over you and make sure you're good. I am very thankful to the supporters of STS. This program created an opportunity for me to start getting better control of my life. Service animals are doing great things for Veterans. Actually saving lives. Without your support of the program, many of us would be lost."