Navy veteran and American Legion life member shares how Prince has helped her go from ‘merely surviving to truly living.’
In July, The American Legion’s Media & Communication Division put out a request: tell us in your words how your service dog has impacted your life. We wanted to share these stories ahead of, and during, National Service Dog Month in September.
Over the course of the next two months, members of The American Legion and other veterans sent us their stories and photos – 29 in all – sharing intimate details about how their service dog has changed their life. Those veterans called their service dog their best friend, with some crediting the animal for the veteran still being alive.
While September is over, we’re still getting submissions and will continue to publish those stories. You also can submit your own story and photo on www.legiontown.org in the “Why I Love My Service Animal” section.
The latest submission comes from U.S. Army veteran Ophelia Beier, a life member of American Legion Flagler Post 115 in Bunnell, Fla. Beier was stationed at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, and survived the terrorist attack there. She shares how her service dog Prince has helped her go from merely surviving to truly living.
I am a 100% Disabled Veteran and a 9/11 Pentagon survivor. My battles didn’t end when the smoke cleared; PTSD became my daily war. Then came Prince.
Prince is trained to detect when I’m experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, including specific PTSD symptoms like hypervigilance. This highlights how service dogs provide vital mental health support, dispelling the misconception that they only perform physical tasks and emphasizing their role in emotional well-being.
As a U.S. Army veteran and 9/11 Pentagon survivor, I want to share how Prince has played a vital role in my mental health recovery and finding hope. Matching veterans with service dogs requires careful assessment and training, and I hope it inspires understanding and support among fellow veterans and supporters.
Prince responds with gentle, loving actions, nudging me with his paw, giving kisses, or resting his head on my shoulder until I’m calm. His presence consistently provides comfort and grounds me, reminding me I’m safe.
Prince isn’t just a service dog; he is my lifeline. He senses my anxiety before it overwhelms me, grounds me during flashbacks, and gives me the courage to step into the world again. He’s brought joy where there was darkness, love where there was fear, and stability where there was chaos.
With Prince by my side, I’ve gone from merely surviving to truly living. He embodies hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a veteran and their service dog.
I was recently recommended for a national appointment to a commission or committee. I've served as a past department assistant Immigration chair, district chaplain, post finance officer, post chaplain and post service officer. It has been an honor to work with The American Legion, the largest U.S. veterans organization. Supporting veteran programs like service dog initiatives can help more veterans find hope and stability. Consider advocating for or donating to these causes.
Meet Prince – my lifeline.
- Veterans Healthcare