Service Dog’s Name: Donnie
Service Type: Law Enforcement
Area/Branch: Patrolman, Detective, SWAT, K9 Handler
“Today, I am sleeping much better, and Donnie is a constant at my side.”
Terrence was a law enforcement officer in Pittsburgh for 34 years – serving in many roles, including patrolman, detective, SWAT officer and K9 handler. In his service he was stabbed twice. He also worked in a military contracting role, doing two three-month tours in Afghanistan. Terrence said “as a police officer you’re going to see homicides, fires, suicides, and other fatalities. You’re going to see people on their worst day. When you’re in it – it almost becomes “normal”.
After I retired, the nightmares started. To this day, I blink my eyes and I’m right there. Often, I would fight sleep for days, just to keep the nightmares at bay. I was becoming suicidal – wanting the nightmares to end – and was tired of being tired, ready for it all to stop. Then my Dr. suggested a Service Dog. Later that day, I went to a pawn shop for the first time ever – and who was there, but a man with a Service Dog, with a vest that said Guardian Angels on it. We chatted, and he gave me the number. I called and was approved and put on the waiting list. God surely was listening that day! Then I met Donnie.
Today, I am sleeping much better, and Donnie is a constant at my side. Donnie knows when I’m headed for dark places, and he is a licker! If I don’t listen to him, Donnie will place his whole mouth over my nose…and If that fails, he’ll jump up & bounce up and down on my chest. Donnie knows.”
