A veteran of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, Hank Ford, attributes his life-saving experience to his service dog, a yellow Labrador named Tommy. In February 2023, Tommy alerted Ford to a medical emergency that involved an irregular heartbeat, a condition that could have led to a stroke if left unaddressed. This incident highlights the vital role service dogs play in supporting veterans, particularly those grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Ford, who resides in Colorado, expressed profound gratitude for Tommy’s presence in his life. He described the impact of the dog as “night and day,” noting that friends and family have observed significant changes in his demeanor since Tommy became part of his life. “Everybody that knows me, they can’t believe the difference in me,” Ford stated. His experience underscores the importance of service animals in providing companionship and support to individuals facing mental health challenges.
On that fateful morning in February, Tommy deviated from his usual routine of waking Ford at 07:00. Instead, he insisted on waking his owner earlier by hitting him in the chest. “He was literally hitting me in the chest,” Ford recalled. This unusual behavior prompted Ford to seek medical attention, where he discovered he was experiencing a rapid and irregular heartbeat. Doctors informed him that had it not been for Tommy’s timely intervention, he might not have survived the episode.
Ford addressed the stigma some veterans face when considering acquiring a service dog, saying, “A lot of veterans, they won’t get a dog because they think people look at you differently when you’re walking through a store. But a dog makes a huge difference.” His personal journey emphasizes the transformative power of service dogs in improving the quality of life for veterans struggling with the effects of war.
Reflecting on his bond with Tommy, Ford added, “Everybody always talks about, you know, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. It was a dark spot. He turned the lights on.” This sentiment resonates with many veterans who have found solace and healing through their service animals.
The story of Hank Ford and Tommy serves as a reminder of the critical role that service dogs can play in emergency situations and in the daily lives of those with PTSD. As awareness grows about the benefits of these animals, more veterans may consider the positive impact a service dog can have on their well-being.
