K9 Spotlight: Chad Hessman & Lady

Chad Hessman & Lady
Law Enforcement // Police Service Dog

Hello, my name is Lady. I am a purebred German Shepherd, and I was hand-selected by my breeder to take on the role of a PTSD Service Dog for a veteran. I was originally paired with a veteran who, unfortunately, could not appreciate the gift that I was to him. After a short time, and through circumstances unknown to me, I found myself looking for a new veteran to care for.

My trainer and the foundation head were able to locate a veteran who truly needed me, and we quickly became two peas in a pod. I was paired with a USMC veteran and current Police Officer. Our bond is undeniable, and I believe that he is as good for me as I am for him. We are working through both of our issues together. We still have a long road ahead of us, but together we will overcome any obstacles thrown our way.

I am definitely a goof, but when Dad puts on my ICON Air Harness, I know it’s work time.

Now Dad wants to say a few things…

Hello, my name is Chad. My journey to good mental health has been a long one, and I had never considered a PTSD service dog. A friend of mine had been pushing me for years to get my disability through the VA. On the day I heard that the VA approved my disability, my friend received a call from the foundation head, who told him about Lady needing to find a new veteran to care for.

I do not believe in coincidences, and neither does my friend. We both agreed that Lady and I were meant to be together.

Lady spent a few weeks with the trainer to ensure she was in good health before coming home with me. The first time I met Lady, I knew she was right for me. We each have our issues, and we are working through them together. Having Lady has changed my life in so many amazing ways.

Lady is able to key in on my triggers well before I even know that they are happening. She notifies me of them and greatly increases my ability to work through the incident.

Our journey together has just begun, but I know there is nothing the two of us cannot overcome together.

Their Gear: Being a Marine and Police Officer, I am a firm believer in having quality gear. With that mindset, Lady spends every day in her E-Lusive 2.0 collar paired with her Dogtra 280C. When we hit the town, she sports an OD green Icon Air Harness™ and a Herm Sprenger black stainless pinch collar. Recently, we have begun working on muzzle work with her RAM Bomber Agitation Muzzle. Since she likes to hang her head out the window of the truck so much, a set of Rex Specs V2 keeps the bugs out of her eyes. And we never leave home without our Buddy Bowl!

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