Local

Wounded hero finds new outlook through K9s For Warriors

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Locally, thousands of veterans are suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.

With Veteran’s Day right around the corner, Action News Jax is highlighting a program, K9s For Warriors, helping veterans overcome the disorder.

Greg Wells knew from the very beginning that Utah was going to be more than just his service dog, but a life-changer.

“The first time I saw his eyes, it was done, I was good,” he said.

Wells served in the U.S. Army for eight years before he was sent home because of his PTSD

“2012, I was hit with my eighth IED, and sent home for medical treatment,” he said.

Wells said he was angry.

“I couldn’t feel joy, I couldn’t feel happy. I had been suicidal since I got back in 2012,” he said.

Wells tried everything – counselors, doctors and medication.

“I call it the great experiment of 2012 and 2013, because I was on so many medications,” he said.

But nothing seemed  to work until he came to K9s For Warriors, where veterans get paired with a free service dog and go through training.

Roughly 20 veterans with PTSD die every day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Wells still has his days.

“If I’m down, he can tell,” he said.

But his shadow is always there to lift him back up.

“He’s my man.”

Click here for more information about K9s For Warriors.

The Week of Valor begins this Friday in Jacksonville. Click here for more information.