FLORIDA – September is otherwise known as National Suicide Prevention Month.
A frightening trend, across the nation, the number of suicide deaths has been steadily increasing since 2005. The suicide rate for Veterans was one point five times the rate for non-Veterans.
“When you’re air force or any branch at all, I don’t think you truly can fully readjust,” said Ashley McCaffrey.
Ashley McCaffrey a special education teacher has been a battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after her first deployment to Iraq. Readjusting to civilian life after combat was tough for McCaffrey, the various medications she was taking was making her a shell of her former self.
“I’d get up take my pills, go back to sleep, and didn’t want to do anything. [I] Didn’t have any motivation,” said McCaffrey.
That’s when McCaffrey and her husband turned to K9s for Warriors. A nonprofit helping put an end to veteran suicide and returning dignity and independence one service dog at a time.
“Not only was that one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it was the most rewarding things that I’ve done,” said McCaffrey.
Trips to the supermarket or to a mall where things that would trigger McCaffrey’s PTSD. But insert Hope her new service dog and the courage to try new things came back.
For 21 days McCaffrey and Hope spent every minute together in order for the two of them to trust each other and embark on this new adventure together.
“The most interesting lesson I learned throughout all of it was if we don’t advocate for ourselves. Nobody is going to advocate for us,” said McCaffrey. “There is always somebody out there that’s going to listen you just have to ask. And asking is the most scariest part of wanting to get help. ”
McCaffrey and Hope both graduates of K9s for Warriors program are now a dynamic duo that are sure to give Scooby and Shaggy a run for their money.
The duo even making great progress graduating ahead of schedule and setting off on their first adventure together the day after their graduation. A reminder to McCaffrey hope is always out there.
“I actually, I keep that posted on my desk as a reminder of good things come to those who wait. And there is hope out there figuratively and literally,” said McCaffrey.
If you’re a veteran or know someone who is, K9s for Warriors is waiting for your call their number is 904-686-1956. For more information visit k9sforwarriors.org
