A Veteran Says "Thank You"

Fred Ings came out into the rain to thank each of you 

who donated and helped him be paired with his service dog, 

SSD Uncle Brian.

                Readers of this column may remember Fred Ings from the November 2015 story, There is no dog.  Fred is a veteran who was injured when his ship, the USS Cole, was attacked by al-Qaeda suicide bombers on October 12, 2000.  He, like many combat veterans, suffers from disabling Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

                To say that the memories of that day haunt him is not enough.  Fred rarely slept through the night and what rest he got was plagued by dreams so vivid that he’d wake in a Yemen hospital rather than his own bed.  As is the case with many active-duty veterans, Fred is in a constant state of hypervigilance, checking every shadow, corner, and barrier for possible threats.  He is exhausted, in both body and mind.

                But, things are getting better.  Thanks to the generosity of strangers, family, and friends, the Ethel Fund was able to pay the $5,000 copay to pair Fred with his service dog, SSD Uncle Brian.  Brian has been specifically trained to help his handler navigate flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks.  He is gentle, but firm, in his ministrations – he lays his head against Fred’s leg and offers unwavering love.  If his master does not respond, he initiates further contact, climbing onto his lap, making direct eye contact, and giving many licks to gain his attention, thereby directing Fred back into the moment.

                Brian is also helping Fred reenter society because he garners a lot of attention.  Fred likes to tell the story of Susquehanna Service Dogs, “Think of what a dog brings to someone’s life…and then multiply it a million times.  That is what the skill and devotion of a Susquehanna Service Dog (SSD) means to a child or an adult with a disability.”

                SSD promotes greater independence for people living with mobility, hearing, and psychiatric disabilities, including military veterans and individuals with autism.  They also train facility dogs for courtrooms, classrooms, and other public settings.  SSD has placed hundreds of dogs since 1993 and has gained global recognition from Assistance Dogs International.  (Visit their website, KeystoneHumanServices.org or call 717-599-5920 for further information)

                As much as Fred enjoys talking about his service dog, and appreciates that you donated so that they might become a team, there are times that they must not be disturbed.  There is a big difference between a therapy dog and a service animal.  A therapy dog is there for you; its handler has come to visit and expects you to interact.  A service animal is a working dog with an important job from which it should not be distracted.  While it is important that you never pet any dog without its handler’s permission, it is critical that you not disturb a service dog at work.

                Fred and Brian, along with their family, will be attending the Ethel Invitational 2016.  If you’re able, come meet them and bring your dog to this day of fun and prizes.  The Invitational will be held on September 16 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the Quemahoning Family Recreation Area in Holsopple, PA.  For more information and/or to enter your dog, please visit http://ethelfund.org/index.php/the-ethel-invitational. 100% of the proceeds of this event will be used to provide assistance to family pets with catastrophic veterinary needs, offer sanctuary to the pets of women escaping domestic abuse, and facilitate the pairing of service dogs to people with disabilities.

               

                

                 

Rebecca is the President & Executive Director of The Ethel Fund Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to changing animals' lives by providing assistance in times of catastrophic veterinary need.  To learn more, please visit http://www.ethelfund.org or https://www.facebook.com/TheEthelFund.  You may contact Rebecca at rslindeman@ethelfund.org.

Phil Balko is the proprietor of Photography by Balko and donates his talents to the Ethel Fund Inc. as well as other community organizations.  To see more of his work, visit http://philipbalko.com/. You may contact Phil at inquiry@philipbalko.com.