Steve T and Echo

In the Middle East, Steve served in combat with the U.S. Army. While doing that he was wounded and suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After leaving the Army, Steve obtained a masters degree and became a therapist, working for more than 20 years helping others. At the same time, Steve attended therapy for himself, working to lessen his own PTSD.

As part of his therapy, Steve received his first dog, Shiloh, from Partners for Patriots. However, some time after getting Shiloh, Steve had a very bad fall which caused a serious head injury. Because of this he had to give Shiloh up so he could start rehab (Shiloh is with a different person today, helping with her disability).

Still suffering from TBI and PTSD after recovering from his head injury, Steve got matched with Echo, another Partners for Patriots service dog. Echo is equipped with a special harness that helps Steve with his balance as he walks. Echo is also trained to help Steve with physical tasks, such as picking up items he drops (because people with TBI often have difficulty keeping their balance if they have to bend over to pick up a small object). Because of Steve’s PTSD, he often has episodes of severe anxiety, which Echo is also there to help with.

All in all, Steve says that Echo has made a great difference in his life, giving him greater confidence and independence. “She knows when I am getting anxious,” he says. “She’ll come over and just lean on me, and I just calm down.”