New Jersey Legionnaire says his first service dog, Sarge, and his current one Malta are helping him have his ‘best life.’
National Service Dog Day falls on Sept. 20 and is designed to honor the role of service dogs in the lives of people with disabilities and America's veterans. The day was designated by Congress in 2023 and is part of September’s National Service Dog Month.
We asked you to share how your service dog has impacted your life, so we can share your story with others. We will continue to publish those stories throughout September.
Submit your own story and photo on www.legiontown.org in the “Why I Love My Service Animal” section.
Our latest in the series is from U.S. Army veteran John Brouse, a member of Frederick Grigg Post 68 in Merchantville, N.J., who shares how his service dog Sarge brought his life “relief and structure.”
My story is long with many twists and turns. I can say that alcohol, painkiller addiction and a fight to keep going while battling PTSD and anxiety brought me some relief and structure in the form of a big yellow Labrador by the name of Sarge.
I received Sarge in 2018 from America’s VetDogs. He made an immediate difference in my life right from the start. Sarge propelled me forward and gave me the confidence to excel. (STORY CONTINUES BELOW)
I became a better, more confident leader: post commander, county commander, New Jersey department vice commander and graduate of National American Legion College with Sarge. He even received his own diploma and alumni card from Past National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer in 2023.
Sarge and I traveled the state of New Jersey educating on ADA/service dogs and sponsored a walk called Sarge’s Challenge to bring awareness to veteran suicide, as well as Buddy Check Thursday on social media, with Sarge and his wagging tail urging folks to reach out if they need help.
Sadly, I lost Sarge to cancer in 2025. He left such an impact not only in my life, but in our town, county, state and beyond. A memorial is planned in his honor for this fall. Those that knew him would say he saved lives. He certainly saved mine.
Why did I love him so? He taught me how to live, love and laugh again, all without saying a word. Actions, not words, got the job done.
Sarge's replacement arrived April of this year; her name is Malta. We bonded quickly, and she is moving me forward with strength and confidence. We will continue Sarge’s work to help others.
I'm grateful to them both for giving me strength, confidence and the tools I need to have my best life. That is why I love them both.
- Veterans Healthcare