When Connor Green returned from a trip of task in Afghanistan and was released from the Army in 2014, all he desired was to live undetected.
The shift to civilian life, combined with a medical diagnosis of a seizure condition, was harder than being released.
Green couldn’t fathom his life today: standing prior to class of teenagers as a government instructor at Springdale Junior-Senior High School.
“I kept to myself,” said Green, 29, a Sharpsburg native. “I wanted to be invisible.”
Enter Bradley, a German shepherd trained in Florida through Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. He coupled with Green through its regional affiliate, Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans in Peters Township.
“These dogs are skilled in mitigating disabilities, both visible and not, for veterans,” said William Jeffcoat, a Plum local who leads the Washington County not-for-profit.
Service dogs can help individuals with post-traumatic tension
condition, distressing brain injury and movement concerns, to name a few things.
“The aftermath of war comes with deep wounds, both physical and mental,” Jeffcoat said. “Antisocial behavior, feelings of detachment and having a hard time feeling like they belong can keep our veterans from enjoying the beauty of life.”
It takes 2 years for service dogs to be trained at Guardian Angels.
The cost is $25,000, however they are coupled with veterans totally free.
Jeffcoat said a $20 million fundraising campaign is underway to build a Western Pennsylvania school to breed, raise and train dogs. Guardian Angels bought 102 acres in Washington County for a center that, when total, will double the variety of dogs able to be paired each year to 60.
Training capability is maxed out at the Florida head office.
There are 300 veterans awaiting a dog.
Jeffcoat, who saw fight as a Marine in Vietnam, said Pennsylvania has the 4th biggest contingency of veterans — 800,000 — in the nation.
“I was lucky enough to have a dog with me during the war 24/7,” Jeffcoat said.
Fraulein, his German shepherd buddy, was treasured for her boosted sense of odor and hearing.
“I walk this Earth because of her,” he said.
For Green, the addition of Bradley to his every day life has actually suggested finishing from Duquesne University and making a master’s degree from Slippery Rock University.
“When I had my first grand mal seizure, I got treated at the VA and they said it most likely wouldn’t happen again,” Green said. “I had another one a year later.”
With no definitive test outcomes, Green began to fade into the background of life.
He began taking public transit for worry of having a seizure on the roadway. He wasn’t positive adequate to interact socially. He feared being alone in public.
“I never really pictured myself having a service dog,” Green said. “but, within three days of meeting Bradley, we were in sync. It’s hard to remember what it was like without him.”
The set has actually been together for 7 years, throughout which time Green got a main medical diagnosis of epilepsy.
“It was really a very dark time when I was having seizures and didn’t know what was going on,” Green said.
“But if anything happens now, I’ve got him with me. It’s nice to wake up with a German shepherd staring in my face.”
Medical support aside, Green thinks his partner assisted to change his character and restore his self-reliance.
“I look back on how much I’ve changed, and he’s made me more interactive, more engaging and confident,” Green said.
“I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”
Green said he is very grateful to have actually been coupled with Bradley at no cost, thanks to the kindness of others.
He’s never ever without the dog by his side.
On any offered day, Bradley can be discovered extended near Green’s desk or lapping up attention from his trainees.
With his epileptic episodes mainly under control, Green credits Bradley for altering his life.
“It’s hard to put into words the impact that Brad has had,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”
Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff author. You can call Tawnya by email at [email protected] or through Twitter .
