Meet Our Pack

Cody was an active duty Marine from 2008-2013 as a Radio Operator for 3/7 WPNS Co. He was part of two kinetic deployments to the Helmand Province in Afghanistan. After being medically separated in 2013, Cody struggled to find his way in civilian life and spent many years suppressing PTSD and depression. With a lot of encouragement and support, he started exploring different types of treatments. With that came the discovery of Paws Ability and the ways in which a service dog could help with socialization, hypervigilance, sleep, and more. Cody and Raven were introduced and had an immediate connection. She has been such a loyal companion to him from day one and we know she will be a huge part of his continued healing. We are so grateful to everyone at Paws Ability!

John entered the service July 7, 1966 in the United States Navy. After basic training at Great Lakes, he was transferred to a school for training as a Navy corpsman. After medical school he was sent to Camp Lejune for training as a combat corpsman with Marine Corps . He spent the next 6 months stationed at the Naval Hospital in Key West, Florida. In November 1967, John was transferred to 1st/FSR/FLC Maintenance Battalion in Danang, South Vietnam. I Corps. After Vietnam, he spent the rest of his time at a Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut, went to University of Wisconsin Parkside, and worked at J. I. Case before moving back to Kentucky where he retired as a supervisor of installations of indoor and outdoor bleachers. John have 2 children and five grandchildren.

Susan joined the Army Reserves in 1989 working in ICU and emergency rooms in the civilian world and studying trauma with the military. She served in multiple military hospitals from Tripler in Hawaii to Landshut in Germany. In 2007, a unit that she was attached to deployed to Tikrit, Iraq.  After her time in Tikrit, and Ballad working ICUs and EMTs (emergency room) she came home with some ‘difficulties interacting’ with people. Eleven years later, she became close friends with a Veteran and her Service Dog. That friendship led her to Paws-Ability, and a chance for her and her best buddy Hank to develop a better quality of life. She is excited and grateful to become a part of this unique Team.

I am an Army Veteran that specialized as an Avionics Mechanic for all Army helicopters and became a Crew Member for several aircraft including the Huey UH-1, BlackHawk UH-60 and the Chinook CH47. After proudly serving our country both here and overseas, I retired as an executive with Champion Window Company. My loving wife Jennifer and I live in Southern Indiana. Now I enjoy competing and volunteering my time to teach others the sport of long range shooting. This has helped relieve some of the stress but did not help the anxiety or nightmares. I was slowly starting to close out all of my family and friends. Fortunately my wife is strong enough to make me aware of this and put me in contact with people who had been in my shoes and understood what I was going through. I’m good at helping others, but horrible at asking for help or admitting I need help. Thought I was doing well at hiding it… guess not. After witnessing what dogs have done for other Veterans and First Responders and the transformation that they had gone through, I realized I could no longer do this on my own. As fate would have it, Rosie and I met at one of the picnics for Paws-Ability. Rosie and I formed an instant bond.  TO BE CONTINUED!!!

I am a Army veteran of Iraq. I was injured in country but I also have Multiple Sclerosis. I do not want my disability to define me. It was after my diagnosis I began to look for a organization that could provide me with a service dog. Most organizations said they refused to use larger dogs and to basically take what I could get. I happened to come in contact with Paws-Ability through a contact with Irrelevant Warriors. They asked me what type of dog would fit my needs. After I told them, they said they had the exact dog that I wanted ready to be placed with a veteran. 

Jax rides in my sidecar with me. He walks next to me offering me support. In the house if he sees me get up he still comes to my side without me calling for him. I am with him nearly 24/7 taking him everywhere. He has become a celebrity in his own rights with his own Facebook page and appearing at events. 

Not only does he make my day better by being with me but others he meets too. I couldn’t continue to do what I do without him at my side. I went from an old cranky veteran to a service dog dad where nobody can remember my name. However everyone can remember Jax’s name.

My name is Casey Isdell. I was in the US Army from 1990 to 1994. I served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm with HHC 1-8 Cav, Delta Co. as a Turret Mechanic on the M1A1 Heavy (Abrams tank). After returning to Fort Hood, I injured my knees and was reassigned to the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment, further strengthening my love of animals. After the military, I returned to Alabama to carry on with life as usual, but the night terrors didn’t stop. Like most PTSD survivors, I tried to hide it. That, coupled with constant physical pain made life difficult. Needing a change, I moved to Indiana and began seeking treatment for my PTSD and recently had both knees replaced. In 2021, I learned about Paws-Ability at our small town’s annual festival. The process was smooth and the representatives so supportive and helpful. I now have Caesar, who has been a life saver and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you, Paws-Ability Team!

Keith is a 21-year veteran of both the Air Force and later the US Army. Keith served multiple combat deployments to Iraq and suffers for severe anxiety along with PTSD and a TBI. Without Casey, Keith’s life was very lonely he was unable to go out in public for shopping or living. Now that Casey has been in his life, his life is opened up once again! Casey has been trained to react to Keith’s anxiety attacks and to be his rock of assurance that he can go out in public and enjoy life to its’ fullest! Casey has been a godsend to Keith.

Sponsored by UPS BRG Group.

Sam is a Vietnam Veteran. He’s been married 57 years. He and his wife have 3 sons and 7 grandchildren. Sam owned a Pepperidge Farm bread franchise for 32 years before he retired. He loves fishing, hunting and all sports.

I joined the army after high school. After 8 months of training, I deployed to Chu Lai and Vin Long Vietnam as an E-5. I was trained on UH1 helicopters. I did a lot of things, very little with UH1s. After Vietnam, I trained in multiple MOSs. The last being 76 Z with a K designator operation logistical war plans NCOIC G4 1st Armored Division. My service continued during Desert Storm and Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia as 1AD NCOIC advance party, with stops in Iraq and Kuwait. My last assignment was to syncronize war books at Ft. McPherson Georgia. I tried to retire 3 times; 22+ years was long enough. I was tired. I had trained for war and did not know how to come home. I struggle with PTSD. Gus arrived Nov 2nd, 2024. Gus was recommended by other veterans to help me in my years of struggles. They chose well. Gus is a welcome member of the Smith family.

After being medically retired from the Marine Corps, coming home to civilian life was a struggle. I was not prepared for the mental and physical changes to my everyday life. My wife made some calls and came across Paws-Ability. They were happy to work with our pup, Trigger. With patience and true knowledge of helping train him to be the companion I needed, I now have the confidence of being able to leave the house with some peace of mind. I can go out on my own or with my wife and kids again with Trigger by my side being the anchor I needed to get through the day. Thank you all for this incredible gift, and I can’t wait to see where Trigger and I go next.

Skyler Dorsett, retired Army Staff Sergeant. Two deployments to Afghanistan, received Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Purple Heart while on deployment. Total time of service, 9 years. One son named Marcus.

I served twelve years in the United States Army.  I was an E6 admin, as well as a translator followed by many other roles.  You often times will find me gardening.  Miss Pickles insists on helping while enjoying the sunshine. Traveling is also a hobby of mine.  Unfortunately due to recent circumstances,I have not been able to travel as much as I wish I could.  I hope to in the near future.  I also enjoy reading and crafting.  Miss Pickles is always at my side.

My name is Jennifer Faulkner and I’m an OEF/OIF combat veteran of the United States Air Force. I served from 2002-2016 and got out as a MSgt/E-7. I currently reside in Terre Haute, IN with my two incredible children and our pets. From my experiences and injuries through service, I developed PTSD as well as other mental and physical health problems. This has made normal everyday life a challenge for me to date. I am grateful for Paws-Ability for giving me a second chance at really living by covering the training expenses at VonBernd K-9 Training Center for my service dog, Beau. He’s a Great Pyrenees and truly is a gentle giant who soothes my soul. Now that he has been going through this exceptional service dog training program, I can take him with me where I need to go and he helps comfort me through my severe symptoms. There is no adequate way to express my appreciation for this beautiful way to support veterans, but I am so very thankful to be a recipient of this tremendous gift. Thank you Paws-Ability for all you do!

After spending 26 years in the Military with several overseas deployments I was forced to retire due to problems with my back that prevented me from passing the fitness test.  After retirement my back issues continued to worsen to the point that in 2021 I was told my only option was surgery that would relieve my pain, although there were no guarantees that all of the nerves in my back would regain full function. or that I would be able to walk unaided.  As I am stubborn  and make up my mind that I would be fine and continue to live my life alone except for my little rescue dog Rudi, who kept me moving by insisting we go on long walks each day.  My recovery from surgery was long and challenging. I did regain my mobility after a fashion. It became apparent to me that the nerves into my feet were never going to recover. This left me unable to feel where my feet are at any given time.  I became fearful of losing my balance and falling while Rudi and I were on our walks, this fear was something I spoke to my therapist  and doctors about.  They suggest I get a service dog, After going thru the assessment for a service dog at the VA and was told it would be two years before a dog would be available I started to look into other options to get the dog I was needing,  One night at a Legion meeting , our post had received a flyer from Paws Ability., I read it thru and through what do I have to lose.  I called the number and spoke to  John.  He sent me an application.  After I was accepted into the program and was waiting to be matched with a dog, my dear Rudi slipped over the rainbow bridge one night.  I was so lonely without him and seldom left my home.  It was not very long until a trainer from Paws Ability came to my door with a beautiful chocolate lab named Bobbi.  It turned out Bobbi although a beautiful dog was not the dog for me.  I live very close to a gun range and the noise scared her so badly she was shutting down.  Shannon and I agreed that for Bobbi’s best interest she should go to someone else. I as next paired with a golden lab named Hunter, She is also beautiful and I believe Bomb Proof. She and I had an instant connection.  The noise from the range does not upset her in the least, I have changed her name to HONEY, as she looks like someone poured honey down her back and it is dripping off her ears.  She and I sleep together and she keeps my troubling dreams at bay.  With the help of Shannon and the new balance and brace harness Honey is learning to help me stay balanced while walking and to assist me if I fall to get back up and eventually she will help me rise from a sitting position.   We will continue to learn new things as my needs change over the coming years.  I am so grateful to Paws Ability for training Honey for me and accepting me into the Paws Ability family and giving us the continuing training and support.

Errol is a Marine Corps veteran that separated in 2013 as an E-5, with an expertise in surviving but not living. While transitioning to civilian life with a TBI diagnosis due to multiple concussions and chronic injuries, Errol would go on to spend the next 10 years struggling to sustain healthy and productive relationships, habits (vices) and contributing fully to society. After years of struggling, Errol became an anxiety-ridden lone wolf that struggled to function with day-to-day tasks. In January of 2024 the kind hardworking, dedicated and patient team at Paws-Ability, Inc. heard Errol’s story, conducted an interview and swiftly decided to make what would become the life-changing match for him. After training and bonding with Carter who quickly became Errol’s best friend, day-by-day Carter provides the healthy distraction and brings the fun and joy back to individual moments. Having Carter as his service dog grants Errol the ability to find the strength to accept the challenge of living and functioning in the world to best of his ability because he knows Carter will be right there for him. Thanks to Carter and everyone at Paws-Ability, Inc. “hope” for the future is an ideal that shows promise. 

Michael is a US Army 10th Mountain Division Veteran and retired Deputy Sheriff. He was medically retired due to some serious medical issues.
Michael found himself alone and due to severe depression and PTSD, isolated himself from all but a few close family.

Michael’s life consisted of going to doctors appointments full-time and watching the sun come up and set on another wasted day. He didn’t even turn the tv on for months maybe longer.
He had sought the help of a mental health provider a few months prior. She mentioned a few times he should look into a service dog.

On a very rare moment Michael left the house and saw a pamphlet for Paws-Aability. He was curious but at the same time thought there was some other person that needed a dog more than him. After the conversations, he was assured that there was a dog out there for him. A few weeks later he was introduced to Vee. He saw a picture of Vee and instantly fell in love. 
When Vee and Michael met for the first time, she jumped into his lap and rested on his chest and hasn’t left his side since. She’s been an amazing companion.
Michael is beginning to have a schedule again going to bed at a decent hour, he has woke with laughter and play every morning. Vee has woken him from dreams and he beginning to trust that she is watching his 6 when they go out. Vee will press on him during times of stress and anxiety to remind him he is not alone.
For the first time in a lifetime Michael is beginning to feel a sense of ease and each day he is beginning to feel more like the person he remembered he was.

Michael is grateful to Paws-Ability for serving our community the way they do and for allowing him the gift of Vee. Thank you!

Sponsored by SIRPC F-Class Program.

My name is Joe Faudree. I proudly served as a grunt in the United States Marine Corps from 1994 to 1998. After serving in the Marine Corps, I began a new chapter with the Indiana Department of Corrections, where I worked for 18 years until a sudden stroke ended my career. That moment changed my life in more ways than one, impacting my speech, mobility, and confidence.
Everything began to shift when I was matched with my service dog, Stewert. He didn’t just help me physically—he gave me peace in crowded settings, restored my confidence in public speaking, and gave me the courage to keep moving forward. Stewert gave me my life back.
The profound impact Stewert had on me was one of the inspirations behind Paws-Ability. I now proudly serve on the Paws-Ability Board of Directors and take an active role on both the interview and home inspection committees. I am honored to help bring this same sense of healing, independence, and hope to other veterans and first responders in need.
I will forever be grateful for Stewert and for the opportunity to be part of an organization that continues to change lives—just as it changed mine.

Stella Mae is a wonderful companion to me. She takes my mind off my pain, lets me know when someone is at the door (hearing loss), and calms me when my anxiety kicks in. She is my work companion and loves to give “hugs”.

Chuck is a Vietnam veteran, retired Battalion Chief with the City of Bloomington Fire Department, worked with numerous youth groups, tutored, used his Magic Tricks to mesmerize children and adults alike. In 2006 he did a solo bicycle ride to Branson, Missouri to honor veterans and firefighters. In 2012, our lives changed in an instant when Chuck survived a stroke which left his left side paralyzed. His mobility has been difficult but his spirit supersedes all negatives. We were gifted Kylie in 2016 and she has been amazing with and for Chuck. Service dogs really do change lives. I don’t think we would be able to do a fourth of the things we do if we didn’t have Kylie.

Tommy served in the Army for 2 years before joining the National Guard for 6 years.  After recently losing his mom and beloved Labrador, he found it very difficult to get out of bed in the mornings.  He didn’t feel he had anything to look forward to and he simply felt lonely.  “Paws-Ability picked the BEST dog for me.  We are a match made in Heaven!”, Tommy boasted.  Tommy is thoroughly enjoying taking her for walks and going to training with her and practicing her commands.  “She gives me a reason to wake up every morning.  She makes me so happy!”, Tommy joyfully exclaimed.

Thomas W. Cox is a retired US Army Chaplain (LTC) who served over twenty-eight years from the Battalion to the Theater level through the full spectrum of the Chaplain Corps operations. He has had multiple deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, (Afghanistan) and Kuwait (1^stCavalry Division) and had the following overseas assignments: Republic of Korea, Alaska, and Germany. CH Cox was selected for Advanced Civilian Education and completed the degree requirements for a Masters of Science in Community Counseling at Columbus State University as part of the US Army Family Life Chaplain Program. His utilization tour was as Director of the Fort Lewis  and I Corps Chaplain Family Life Center during Operation Iraqi Freedom where he trained over 10,000 Soldier and family members on coping with the dynamics of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a combat deployment. In Germany CH Cox served as Broadcast Ministry Chaplain, American Forces Network, Europe, where he developed and broadcast information commercials about strenthening marital relationships and coping with PTSD, as well as daily devotions and weekly messages.  He retired from the US Army in 2018. He completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education and earned the National Association of Veteran Affairs Board Certification. He worked as the Mental Health Chaplain at the Robley Rex Veterans Adminstration Medical Center. He is a member of  the American Association of Christian Counselors, and a Life Time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Presently he is retired and enjoying working on his property as well as supporting ministry through preaching and counseling Veterans at a local church. He is married to his wife, Joy of 36 years and has three adult children.

I’m Bruce and this is my service dog Max. He is almost 3 years old.Laurie, my wife, and I have been married almost 47 years. We were blessed to adopt our granddaughter who is now 13. We love camping in our 5th wheel and seeing the USA, living our dream. I am Army and I served with the Fbtry 79 ARTY with Blue Max Cobra gunships (This is where Max got his name.) I was in Vietnam 71-72 serving as Crew Chief and it was the ride of my life. Paws Ability has given a new leash on life and I am grateful for all the people there. I feel a part of a new great family. Life with my service dog Max, will only get better.

Meet Jeff and Daisy. Jeff is a Marine Corps Veteran whose life has been profoundly changed by his service dog, and best friend, Daisy. He received her from Pawsability this year. With a strong dedication to overcoming challenges, Jeff found a true friend in Daisy, transforming his life in unexpected ways.

After serving in the Marines, Jeff faced difficulties transitioning to civilian life, impacting their home, work, and social interactions. Dealing with anxiety and these changes was tough, but since he received Daisy, her unwavering support, has made a real difference.

From the moment they met, Jeff and Daisy shared a special bond. While it was a challenge to accept this new companion at first, Daisy’s loyalty and warmth quickly eased Jeff’s worries, leading to a life-changing experience.

Together, they’ve achieved incredible progress. At home, Daisy offers comfort and purpose. In work settings, Jeff feels more confident with Daisy by his side. What’s truly amazing is the change in Jeff’s social life. With his service dog’s help, he can comfortably enter different places and stay longer without feeling uneasy.

Jeff’s journey from the Marines to civilian life has been one of growth and triumph. Daisy has played a big role, providing not just companionship but also the strength to overcome anxieties and embrace new experiences. Jeff didn’t believe such an incredible transformation was possible.

As Jeff continues forward, he will carry the lessons learned from his time in the Marines: resilience, determination, and the understanding that the right support can make a world of difference. Through his story, Jeff hopes to show others the profound impact of a strong support system, proving that with bravery and a faithful friend, remarkable changes are achievable.

Sponsored by SIRPC F-Class Program.

Corey is a dedicated United States Army Veteran with a diverse military career spanning over a decade. For the first seven years of his service, Corey served as Cadre and Instructor for Cadet Command at Fort Knox, KY, where he played a crucial role in training future Army officers. Following this assignment, he made the decision to transition into a new role as a Behavioral Health Specialist.

Corey’s expertise in behavioral health was put to the test during his deployment in support of Operation Allies Refuge and Operation Allies Welcome. In this capacity, he provided essential behavioral health care support to displaced Afghan refugees and deployed Department of Defense personnel.

Throughout his service, Corey faced significant challenges. He developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and several other mental and physical health issues, which have made daily life difficult. However, his life took a positive turn when he was paired with his service dog, Freyja, through the organization Paws-Ability.

Freyja has been instrumental in giving Corey a new lease on life, providing support and companionship. Corey expresses deep gratitude for the tremendous gift that Paws-Ability has given him, acknowledging the organization’s significant impact on his well-being.