Adam and Rakassan

Conventional treatment was not helping Sergeant Renteria deal with his symptoms of PTSD and TBI after his deployment to Iraq as an infantry soldier. He knew he needed something more than medication and intermittent therapy sessions. PTSD left Adam feeling isolated, being out in public would cause him to have severe panic attacks, rooftops and windows still seemed like places for snipers to hide, walking around corners caused severe anxiety, debilitating nightmares made sleep impossible and noises reminded him of the war zone he had just left. Adam needed someone he could rely on, someone who could make him feel protected in public and allow him to not isolate himself by staying inside any more.

Pets for Vets found Rakassan, a Jindo mix at a local shelter, with a sharp intelligence. He excelled at his training, learning new behaviors to help with PTSD very quickly but took more time to get used to an outside environment. When they met for the first time, Rakassan climbed up on the couch next to Adam and nestled in next to him. Since then they have become inseparable, Rakassan is in-tune to Adam’s every move; sleeping with him at night which eases his nightmares, being vigilant to their surroundings so Adam does not have to be and has even helped Adam feel comfortable in public. Adam now enjoys going on outings, including to his son’s baseball games. Adam has said, “Clarissa is my angel, she found the most perfect dog for me. I would not have been able to pick out a dog that was better suited to me. Rakassan and Pets for Vets saved my life.”

We thank you, Adam, for allowing us to be a part of your life and thank you for your service.