Jeremy & Shadow
Hello, my name is Jeremy Johnson and I would like to tell you about my experience with Operation Overwatch. I am a 21-year veteran of the United States Air Force and suffer from PTSD, TBI, and mobility issues due to my military service. I contacted Operation Overwatch after researching several different service dog agencies and chose them because they utilize dogs rescued from a local shelter. When Brice found a dog named Shadow for me, I was excited to see if the dog would make a difference for me. Brice worked hard to make Shadow and I a functioning team that would work well together.
Since January of 2019 when I met Brice and Shadow I have improved on a daily basis. I get out of the house at least every other day now and I interact with people as they are always asking about Shadow. Shadow has forced me to be more social and be more active than I have been in years. I was improving from the time I met Brice and Shadow as I soon realized it was going to take a lot for me to work with Shadow. Almost immediately I gave up my cane because I did not like the way I walked Shadow trying to use it. I wanted to walk faster in order to give Shadow better exercise. To be honest I didn’t really need them anymore! I wake up every morning eager to see Shadow and take care of him which is a huge change for the guy who didn’t want to get out bed most days. I also have been able to come off some of my medication since Shadow has been working with me.
Shadow helps me get around more and occasionally when I am on the floor Shadow braces himself so I can use him to prop myself up when I am trying stand up. Shadow is a huge help in public as he keeps me calm and focused on him instead of everything else. The only way to sum it all up is that Operation Overwatch, Brice, Christy, and Shadow have improved my quality of life! I would not be where I am today with out them and still work with them to improve my team work with Shadow.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Johnson