How a Marine veteran’s service dog became his lifeline in crisis
A Marine veteran, Laszlo Szalay, has credited his service dog with saving his life during a mental health crisis. This heartwarming story highlights the crucial role service dogs play in supporting veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. One organisation, Blue Star Service Dogs, is at the forefront of this lifesaving work. Blue Star Service Dogs, a nonprofit, raises funds to provide service dogs to veterans and first responders in need. They are part of a wider network of organisations, including the Wounded Warrior Project and Veterans Affairs, that have collectively placed thousands of service animals. These dogs are trained to help their human partners feel safe, reconnect with people, and find purpose. The organisation adopts shelter dogs and trains them in prisons before pairing them with veterans and first responders. Two Michigan nonprofits also provide free therapy and service dogs to this target group. Glenn Dennard, a former prisoner, now trains service dogs full-time for Blue Star Service Dogs. The need for these dogs is urgent. On average, 22 veterans take their own lives each day in the U.S., and hundreds of first responders die by suicide annually. Tragically, Connor Shea, a 21-year-old Army Specialist, died by suicide after serving in the Mojave Desert. Laszlo Szalay's story underscores the vital role service dogs play in supporting veterans and first responders. Blue Star Service Dogs, along with other organisations, is dedicated to providing these lifelines to those in need. By raising funds and awareness, we can help ensure that more veterans and first responders receive the support they deserve.
