Patrick and Decker: From Four Walls To Freedom

Just imagine a life where your outside world is so overwhelming that at times it is unbearable to even step outside. Patrick served our country for 20 years, 5 of those years in combat zones within foreign land, defending the freedoms of the indigenous people. The outside noise, being in a crowd, going to the grocery store or even sitting in traffic led to triggers from the past. These triggers had suppressed him to live behind the four walls of his home for years — that was until he met Tails of Valor® Paws of Honor (TOV/POH) in 2023.

His journey started in the summer of 2023. The moment he met with the staff and the canines, he knew a new path in life awaited him. Decker chose him as his Veteran. Because of Decker, Patrick has been able to enjoy a life that has opened up endless possibilities. A simple task such as going to the grocery store is not as scary because Decker provides a level of focus and calm that he would not be able to mitigate prior.

Before Decker, Patrick could not enjoy the freedom that he protected and defended due to being haunted by his own demons from the atrocities of war. Just last month, Decker and Patrick went to Georgia to assist a Brother in Arms from the aftermath of hurricane Helene — something he would have never accomplished prior.

Decker is named in honor of Specialist Cody M. Decker. Journey with a Purpose™ was instrumental in Patrick's life because it addressed not just the issues, but him as a complete person.