Doggie for Dobis

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the brain’s response to a very traumatic experience or experiences... and my husband has been dealing with severe PTSD since his traumatic injury on the job. As most of you know my husband is a proud Detroit Police Officer, while on the job he was stabbed 5 times in the face, lost 40% of his blood, died and was revived, and has gone extensive plastic surgery from his injuries. He has lost 4 personal partners since then and faces interpersonal challenges on a daily basis. He is off of work right now to take care of his mental health, he is dealing with the effects of PTSD and the recent loss of his partners and his stabbing. This is a debilitating anxiety disorder that causes him to not feel safe anywhere he goes. It prevents him from being an active participant in his own life.  PTSD for my husband will follow him for the rest of his life. With the help of therapy and counseling we have reached a point where intervention and support are needed.  He struggles on a daily basis with memory loss, severe anxiety, nightmares, loss of sleep,  concentration issues, behavior changes, and a disconnect from his family.  A service dog would help Joel and our family  greatly mitigate the symptoms of his PTSD. I know on the outside my husband may not "look" like he is suffering, but  in certain public places, in certain situations, in his own consciousness, he is not doing well. My husband is the best part of me, and I love him unconditionally, I suffer watching him go thru this.  He is an incredible father, provider, partner and my best friend and I need him around. Being a supportive wife to him while he is navigating his PTSD has been challenging, I am still learning and growing with him. 

We cannot afford the expenses to get a dog and pay for the necessary training needed to help Joel cope with his PTSD. I am asking for help from our family and friends, please consider donating to our family.

With love,

Sara Dobis