Andrew A. Parra & Bonnie
Veteran: Andrew A. Parra
Service Dog: Bonnie
My name is Andrew A. Parra, I am an Army veteran that served 21 years on active duty, which included three deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During my last deployment to Mosul, Iraq my unit lost 31 brave Soldiers. I was diagnosed with severe PTSD in July 2019 by the Veterans Administration and underwent psychiatric treatment that included counseling and various antidepressant medications. I was in a phase of depression that was not understandable to me, and I knew something needed to change.
I did some research on the benefits of a service animal and in October of 2019 I applied for a service dog through Veterans Assistance (VA) Dogs of Texas, a non -profit organization that provides the resources to train service dogs for veterans. In June of 2020, I was notified that I was next in line to be placed with an animal. VA Dogs of Texas has a partnership with Hill Country Dog Center, the organization that trains the service dogs. The staff at both organizations truly have the veterans' best interest at the forefront of their purpose. On 7 June 2020, I was partnered with Bonnie and my life changed from that moment on. Bonnie was already certified but I needed to learn how to handle her. After a week-long training event, we certified, and I took her home.
I immediately noticed the changes in my mood and basic attitude towards life. Sure, it took some adjustments taking an animal with me everywhere I went but now I had the attitude that I wanted to go out and do things that I previously had no interest in doing. I told my wife and doctor that I did not want to be on medications anymore and after some evaluations I was taken off of them. I have not taken any psychiatric medications for over 18 months now.
In summary, Bonnie and I have formed a bond that is so close the training has come as second nature. I believe Bonnie obeys because she does not want to disappoint me. Nevertheless the reason she has had a life-changing impact on the quality of my life that I would not trade for anything. Thank you so much to the two organizations and staff that helped me get to this point.
