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Service dog honors those who served our country

Twenty-two veterans commit suicide each day in the U.S. Many of them struggle to adapt to civilian life and one organization is hoping to bridge that gap.

SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Twenty-two veterans commit suicide each day in the U.S. Many of them struggle to adapt to civilian life and one organization is hoping to bridge that gap.

4Paws 4Patriots is a program that’s unique in matching disabled veterans with service dogs.

“This dog saved my life,” says Sandy Dee, an Army veteran.

Sandy’s dog London, a six month old vizsla, needed a home and Sandy says she needed someone to love.

“If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I would be here. I can honestly say that,” says Sandy.

Sandy says that it wasn’t until she found 4Paws 4Patriots that things in her life began to make sense. The non-profit organization helps match veterans with rescue dogs and uniquely trains them together for free. The service dogs at 4Paws 4Patriots are specifically trained to handle post-traumatic stress.

“Daily, he has a stabilizer with a handle. I have a tendency to fall. I have PTSD. If a man approached me too fast, he will step in because I have anxiety,” says Sandy. “I know that by changing my life I can share it. One veteran, one service dog, one family at a time.”

On Tuesday, Sandy and London honored veterans at Westmont at San Miguel Ranch in Chula Vista. Sandy says that she is living proof that the program works.

“You see someone who has been locked up in their house for five years. Now, they have this dog and they have their life back,” says Sandy.

Sandy says that she hopes by traveling around with London, she can help educate and inspire the public to get involved in the program because giving back to those who have sacrificed so much is the least that we can all do.

The Westmont at San Miguel Ranch donated $500 towards dog vests to help veterans. If you would like to donate to 4Paws  4Patriots, click here.

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