Being paired with Tosh has given the Virginia Legionnaire confidence and safety he did not previously have.
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 William “Bill” Jones, a member of American Legion Post 157 in Madison, Va. In his own words, his service dog Tosh changed his life.
My name is Bill Jones, and I live in Madison, Va. I served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1988. During my military service, I experienced a couple of incidents that left me with permanent disabilities.
A few years after leaving the Army, I was diagnosed with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a progressive neurological disease that is similar to ALS, although it typically progresses much more slowly. As my condition worsened, I began falling regularly. I broke my leg in one fall and was knocked unconscious in two others. My limited mobility left me feeling isolated because I was afraid to take part in many everyday activities.
When I first learned about the opportunity to receive a service dog, I was hesitant. I felt that other veterans deserved that resource more than I did. Having lived near Walter Reed Army Medical Center, I had seen young servicemembers returning home with devastating injuries, and I didn’t feel worthy of receiving such an incredible gift. (STORY CONTINUES BELOW)
A close family friend who had commanded the hospital at West Point had obtained a facility dog from America’s VetDogs for the hospital. He encouraged me to apply, assuring me that I was exactly the kind of veteran the program was designed to help.
Last December, I was matched with Tosh.
It’s difficult to put into words how meaningful it was to be paired with a dog who was so exceptionally trained and so naturally attuned to my needs. During our two weeks of training together, I quickly realized that Tosh was truly special.
Every day, Tosh helps me in countless ways. He picks up items that I drop, brings me my shoes, leg braces, clothing and other things I need, making daily life much easier. But the greatest gift he has given me is something even more important: confidence and safety.
Before Tosh, I averaged two or three falls every week. Since being matched with him in December, I have not had a single fall while he has been with me. That alone has changed my life.
Tosh is also trained to notify my wife if I ever fall. After alerting her, he returns immediately to my side and stays with me until help arrives. Thankfully, we have not had to rely on that training, but knowing he is prepared brings tremendous peace of mind.
As you can imagine, Tosh and I have developed an incredibly close bond. Although I have never been diagnosed with PTSD, I’ve noticed that I generally sleep through the night when Tosh is beside me. His quiet presence provides a sense of comfort and security that is hard to describe.
Receiving Tosh has been an extraordinary blessing. I truly cannot imagine facing each day without him. My hope is that every veteran who could benefit from a service dog has the opportunity to receive one. These remarkable dogs don’t just provide assistance – they restore confidence, independence and hope.
- Veterans Healthcare