- P
- P
- F
My name is Bobby. I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and I am writing on behalf of myself and Otto, who is my companion animal assisting me in my recovery from PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Otto has been wonderfully helpful to me in my recovery, but recently he sustained a serious injury and will require surgery to repair a ruptured ACL, which I cannot afford. It is not easy for me to ask for help, but my dog Otto is in need, so I hope you can help me help him. I am a combat veteran, and I spent most of 2003 in Iraq in the Al Anbar Province, where I did my best to serve with honor and courage despite the extreme difficulties and losses that we encountered there. I recently spent 6 months hospitalized at the VA Northern California in their Post-Deployment Assessment and Treatment Program. This program provided treatment for my physical and psychological injuries while also helping me reintegrate back into civilian society. After 6 months of intensive rehabilitation and personal growth through many types of treatments and therapies, I felt ready to graduate to the next level of recovery.
The next step was my acceptance into a transitional housing and continued recovery program there at the VA Northern California. Entering this transitional program, I became interested by the opportunity to adopt a support dog to help with my confidence in social situations and help feel a sense of normalcy again. The dog that found me was Otto (and let's be honest, he did find me, but that’s another story, LOL!).
I could never have imagined all the ways that Otto helps me. I am able to focus and work for much longer periods without feeling panicked and looking for ways to “escape.” I can now sit comfortably with Otto by my side for an hour or more, which will be crucial as I am enrolling now in college under the GI Bill. I'm starting school this August, and Otto has proven himself a big part of what I needed to help me begin this new chapter in my life. Otto has helped me rekindle past friendships because of the confidence he gives me, and he helps keep me motivated for my continued recovery and progress on those days when I do still feel down.
After so many years of struggling, things were finally starting to look up. Then, as I explained, Otto injured ruptured his ACL while exercising and requires surgical repair. The cost is $4500.00, which I cannot afford. I never expected this. I was simply trying to help myself and also provide a loving home for this dog by adopting him, and now I find myself in this situation. I am here for him, as I understand plenty about injury and recovery, but the financial expense is another issue. Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is willing to help me cover the immediate costs, but with the agreement that I will pay them back. This is where you can help. Please consider if you can donate something toward Otto’s surgery so that he and I together can get on with the business of recovery and living! Even if it is only a couple of dollars, it would help with the large costs that I have accrued. Anything will help! I cannot express how thankful I am, and Otto thanks you too!
The next step was my acceptance into a transitional housing and continued recovery program there at the VA Northern California. Entering this transitional program, I became interested by the opportunity to adopt a support dog to help with my confidence in social situations and help feel a sense of normalcy again. The dog that found me was Otto (and let's be honest, he did find me, but that’s another story, LOL!).
I could never have imagined all the ways that Otto helps me. I am able to focus and work for much longer periods without feeling panicked and looking for ways to “escape.” I can now sit comfortably with Otto by my side for an hour or more, which will be crucial as I am enrolling now in college under the GI Bill. I'm starting school this August, and Otto has proven himself a big part of what I needed to help me begin this new chapter in my life. Otto has helped me rekindle past friendships because of the confidence he gives me, and he helps keep me motivated for my continued recovery and progress on those days when I do still feel down.
After so many years of struggling, things were finally starting to look up. Then, as I explained, Otto injured ruptured his ACL while exercising and requires surgical repair. The cost is $4500.00, which I cannot afford. I never expected this. I was simply trying to help myself and also provide a loving home for this dog by adopting him, and now I find myself in this situation. I am here for him, as I understand plenty about injury and recovery, but the financial expense is another issue. Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is willing to help me cover the immediate costs, but with the agreement that I will pay them back. This is where you can help. Please consider if you can donate something toward Otto’s surgery so that he and I together can get on with the business of recovery and living! Even if it is only a couple of dollars, it would help with the large costs that I have accrued. Anything will help! I cannot express how thankful I am, and Otto thanks you too!