Bill and Buddy

On June 1, Pets for Vets Wisconsin placed Buddy, a red Cocker Spaniel/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix, with Bill, who served our country in Vietnam. Bill served in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief. Bill returned home suffering from PTSD as a result of his time in combat. He contacted Pets for Vets looking for a companion dog to help him cope with anxiety and stress he feels on a daily basis.

After meeting Bill, Pets for Vets knew that a dog would help him overcome some of those feelings as well as help him get out of the house more by going on walks with a dog, or taking the dog to the dog park.

When Bill was introduced to Buddy, a sense of calm and joy washed over his face. He moved slowly at first, relishing the moment, as if he didn’t believe it was real. Buddy nuzzled up to him right away, received a kiss on the forehead, and laid on the couch with him. The two just sat there for over an hour, in silence, leaning against each other, like two long lost friends reunited at last.