Meet Our Pack

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.

This hero team came together to help Renée after years of emergency services work. Pearl now works night and day; she chases away night terrors. During the day she gives hugs to co-workers who are exhibiting stress and is a gentle therapy dog for elders of a local health campus. A few times each day she gets to just be a very happy dog running through a field and swimming in a creek. An unexpected positive result of the team has been that Renee’s world now seems much smaller, and less full of dangerous strangers due to Pearl being an ambassador, introducing the team to new friends and saying “hello” to old friends.

Retired
Juls was a disabled U.S. Navy veteran. She had Wyatt for three years. She was active in Healing Reins, Healing Arts and Healing Waters.

Over the years Jon has rescued dozens of dogs and has provided a loving home for all of them. Jon, a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed with ALS two years ago. Shortly after that, he and his wife, Lynn, lost their last rescue dog.  ALS is a terrible fatal disease and he is now totally paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. He is unable to do anything.  When Lynn heard of this opportunity she immediately responded that they would be honored to foster two puppies who will go on to serve other veterans.  “When Bell and Major joined our family it was love at first sight. They brought a big smile to Jon’s face and joy into our household. Jon said they have given him a reason to live.”

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.

After serving in the United States Marine Corps and working for the Indiana Department of Corrections for 16 years, Joe suffered from a stroke that left the right side of his body with limited mobility. While learning to navigate his new life with a disability and with the need to stay at home more regularly, the situation was beginning to take a real toll on Joe’s self esteem. Joe was blessed to be given a service dog named Stewart. Not only is Stewart a great companion, but he helps Joe with his stability and mobility. Joe’s increased self-esteem and confidence, thanks to Stewart, has given Joe an opportunity to volunteer in his wife’s school. This has taught the students not only about living life to its fullest, but how to respect service dogs and those that have one.

Gloria just celebrated her 71st birthday in December. She suffers from extreme depression, PTSD, anxiety, balance issues and more. Lizzie helps her daily, even when Lizzie is not wearing her vest. Before Lizzie, Gloria had a dog named Bear, a loving Rottweiller, but he passed and she still thinks about him; he was 14 when he passed. Gloria went into the Army in 1982. She wanted to go full time, but had three young children, so she joined the reserves. She was a petroleum supply specialist and also water purification- from 1982 until 1992. She was activated in 1991 for Operation Dessert Storm. She got out of the reserves and went to semi-truck driving school, and drove over the road until 2005. Gloria enjoyed the job,but was suffering from panic attacks and her vision was going due to Hystoplasmosis, therefore she couldn’t drive at night very well. She told her dispatcher she would rather give it up rather than hurting someone or herself from poor vision. The next year Gloria applied for disability. Gloria enjoys helping others or visiting the shelters and sometimes volunteering. She says, “animals are my people; they don’t complain, don’t care if you cant sing, never judge- just love.” She also enjoys gardening, sewing, fishing, and easy listening music. Lizzie has her friend Bella and three other cats in the house- they all get along very well. Gloria has three grown children, two grandsons, which are married, and a set of twin great-grandsons.

My name is Larry Arthur. I served 4 years in the United States Army and additional 8 years in the Indiana Army National Guard, while on active duty I was sent to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield and then into Iraq and Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm. Due to my combat service, I suffer from various medical problems. My service dogs name is Reese. I have had him for approximately 2 years. I could not have imagined the impact Reese would have in my life. Reese not only provides unconditional love but support as well. When the darkness comes I know Reese is there. Having Reese has not only given me my life back but my family as well. Having Reese has allowed me to be an active member in my life.

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.

Russell T. Bridges is a retired Staff Sergeant of the Utah ARMY National Guard. His military career began in 1998 right after graduating high school and he medically retired in 2006. Shortly before his deployment in July of 2004, Russell married the love of his life, Roxanne, gained two amazing daughters and their son would be born in October of 2004. In August of 2004 Russell acquired a L5-S1 spinal vertebrae disc herniation while on active orders of deployment to Afghanistan. Russell opted for a spinal fusion, enabling him to meet up with his unit after healing and rehabilitation. During the initial and also secondary operation, errors were made which resulted in a spinal cord injury. Untimely, Russell was medically discharged and the uphill battle for medical care and benefits began. Russell and his wife had to fight tooth and nail to acquire the needed equipment amongst other needs for his new way of life. After multiple years of learning the ins and outs of the VA system and medical system to obtain the equipment and or benefits needed, Russell is proud to be in a position to assist other veterans in a similar position get what they need. Being a paralyzed veteran gives him a unique ability to relate to another paralyzed veteran and assist with concerns or issues that an able bodied individual may not understand. Russell’s passions include service animals and helping veterans. When not with his family, Russell is devoting every spare minute to helping veterans in any way possible and doing what he can with service animal organizations. 

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 was 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.

Matt was born and raised in Independence, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Louisville. Matt served his country in the Marine Corps. He is married with two children. Matt had no real plan for re-acclimating to civilian life and did not realize how his tours in Iraq truly affected him. His challenges include but are not limited to anxiety, anger, and depression. Preston (Matt’s Service Dog) is a red nose 2 y/o pit bull terrier. It was recognized that Preston had some special qualities and after evaluation by a trainer he was placed in a program to learn basic obedience before returning for further service dog training.
Preston and Matt begin their training together and while it was not always easy, Preston is providing Matt with invaluable assistance, that only a service dog can provide. Together Matt and Preston are building a bridge that eases Matt’s stress.

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.

Sully was an owner surrender who lived outside with his brother in a 4 x 4 pen. He is a graduate of Camp K9 with the Humane Society of Oldham County. Jim was becoming quite a shut-in, avoiding the general public at all costs, until Sully came to the rescue! While accompanying Jim in college, Sully learned quite a bit about Business and Computer Science, and today Sully puts this knowledge to work to help Jim as a Technology Consultant for Accenture.

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.

My name is Vernon Brown and I am a U.S. Army Veteran who received my service dog from Paws-Ability, Inc.  I received Miley, my 6-year old chocolate lab in Spring 2020. I am so grateful to have gotten her. Since receiving Miley, I have taken the service animals training and graduated with her in Terre Haute, Indiana. I have hung this certificate on the wall to remind me of how honored I am to have Miley.

A few months ago, I was involved in an elevator incident where the elevator closed on me. I fell to the ground and Miley never left my side. She provided support and even licked my face to make sure I was ok. Miley has also been beneficial to my physical health. She has provided exercise for us both. We go outside every day and play ball. Miley is the best service-animal and has fit right in to my family the day she arrived home.  Thank you so much, Paws-Ability, Inc. for providing Miley to me.

Sponsored by SIRPC F-Class Program.

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.