When Jason Howe was still in the US Navy, he always felt he had a purpose in life. Being in service provided him with a structure that provided a sense of stability. He also enjoyed the many new experiences he regularly met while on duty.
But that all changed when he retired. His life plummeted without the security and discipline he strictly adhered to while in the military. He underwent a dark period which led to drug dependency. He couldn’t cope with civilian life. Doctors diagnosed him with severe anxiety and PTSD.
Downward turn
Jason took more and more drugs, and this affected his family. Eventually, the Navy veteran’s wife couldn’t take his dark episodes anymore and left with their kids. He became even worse and soon became homeless.
One day, Jason ran into an old high school friend with a service dog. He loved the idea of having a pal, so he looked into getting one of his own. Unfortunately, service dogs are costly and hard to come by.
His luck changed when he learned about a non-profit organization devoted to helping veterans by giving them service dogs. After telling the staff his story, they agreed to help him.
The turnaround
The charity group found a Boxer from a Georgia shelter named Sobee. He was merely days away from being euthanized, and they chose him to undergo training and become Jason’s service animal. The pooch was introduced to the Navy veteran, and for the next 14 weeks, they underwent training. They finished at the top of their class.
With Sobee’s help, Jason turned his life around. He felt he had a purpose in life again. The dog could also sense when he was going to have an anxiety attack and would go near his dad to calm him down. The veteran didn’t need drugs anymore.
Jason eventually found a job training service dogs and saved up enough to get a new home. He also started reconnecting with his family. He credits his new life to Sobee.
Source: American Humane Hero Dog Awards via Facebook
