Howdy,

My name is Cal. I am a Career Firefighter and Marine Combat Veteran with three tours to Iraq as a Marine Infantryman. I am currently in a 42 day IIP program called Warriors Heart. Words cannot describe the magic that is occurring daily for me out here in Bandera, Texas. I am surrounded by the support of many Warriors like myself while attending the #1 healing center for Veterans and First Responders in the USA. I have white knuckled my way through life with untreated PTSD, figuring I could work through it on my own, until I couldn't. Many clinicians "label" the things we deal with IE: PTSD, PTS, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Moral Injury, Physical Injury, etc. The "Invisible Wounds" that I thought would never get to me as a younger man had added up to a point of powerlessness, but I'm grateful to be on the path to recovery.

One of the many incredible programs they offer to us is the K9 program. We are allowed to work with K9s daily for the 42 day program. I have found joy in working with the dogs here and one in particular has imprinted on me. Her name is Caroline. She is a 2 year old Cur Mix. The cost over the 42 day program to train, vaccinate, outfit, feed, register and certify him is $5,000. The typical cost for a fully trained and certified PSD K9 ranges from $25k-$35k. These service dogs have proven to make a positive impact on thousands of Veterans by providing purpose, companionship, loyalty, protection, improving social interaction, routine and much more. My goal if for Caroline to provide a double duty. As a member of my own organizations peer support team Caroline would be used not only for my personal benefit but as a therapy dog for other first responders in need.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering a donation. If you are unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing my campaign with others who might be willing to help. Together, we can make a significant difference in the life of a Veteran in need.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Cal Wallace-Firefighter/Paramedic and Marine Combat Vet