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Dog Had One Week To Live…Then Life Changed FOREVER For Him And His Military Owner

Written by: Scott H
Scott Haiduc is the Director of Publishing for iHeartDogs, iHeartCats and The Hero Company. When not working, Scott spends his time on the farm, taking care of his animals and crops.Read more
| Published on May 20, 2015

The bond between a dog and its person truly has the ability to change lives…and sometimes save them. American Humane received a nomination for their ‘Hero Dog Of The Year’ award, and it’s a story worth sharing.

Captain Jason Haag returned home after two military deployments overseas, and adjusting again to civilian life proved to be more of a challenge than the Purple Heart recipient had anticipated. The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Haag was faced with challenged him more than even the brain injury he had previously suffered. Totally dejected from his wife of 15 years and their three children, Haag started living in the basement and rarely left his home. PTSD was getting the best of him, so in a desperate attempt to turn things around, Haag reached out to K9’s For Warriors, a program that pairs struggling veterans with service dogs.

K9’s For Warriors set the Captain up with a German Shepherd named Axel, and that’s when Jason Haag’s life changed, again…this time for the better.

Immediately, Axel’s presence had Haag active again; he started running errands, spending time with his children, reconnecting with his wife and even thriving without the use of prescription medications.

But none of this would have been possible had Axel been euthanized, a fate the dog was just one week away from meeting before K9’s for Warriors stepped in. Now, Captain Haag is repaying Axel for all he has done by nominating him for this significant award. Axel’s win would mean K9’s For Warriors could continue receiving donations to help more and more veterans.

Such an incredible story…enjoy!

Such a beautiful story of mutual friendship. American Humane Association will announce its Hero Dog Awards finalists on May 25th here. What did you think of Axel and Haag’s story? Do you know a dog in your own life who you would nominate for this kind of award? Share their story!

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