As a Marine veteran, my journey with PTSD has been anything but easy. Overcoming daily challenges, I've come to realize that some battles cannot be won alone. In my life, I’ve been fortunate to find not only support but profound companionship in my Border Collie, Venus—my service dog, protector, and a vital part of my healing journey.

The Role of a Service Dog

Service dogs like Venus are more than pets; they’re trained professionals, dedicated to assisting in ways that often go unnoticed by the world around us. Venus’s responsibilities are extensive and crucial. Her presence alone helps to calm the waves of anxiety that can arise without warning. Through intense training and unbreakable trust, she’s become my steadying force.

The Power of Connection

From the moment Venus entered my life, our connection was undeniable. Border Collies are known for their intelligence and loyalty, but Venus’s intuition goes beyond that. She senses my mood shifts and knows when I need her the most, often before I do. She’ll lean in close, grounding me in moments when I start to feel overwhelmed, keeping me connected to the here and now.

How Venus Helps in My Everyday Life

Each day, Venus helps me tackle the unique challenges PTSD brings. Whether we’re out in public or just spending time at home, she’s always by my side, a gentle reminder that I’m not alone in this. Her training has equipped her with specific skills, from responding to anxiety symptoms to helping me reframe my focus when intrusive thoughts arise.

Beyond the technical support, Venus brings joy, peace, and companionship that fills spaces I didn’t know were empty. Her loyalty and devotion remind me daily of resilience and trust—qualities I sometimes struggled to find within myself.

Honoring Her Work Through Honorguard Coffee

Venus has done so much for me that I felt driven to give back and help other veterans find the same peace and stability that I have found with her. This is how Honorguard Coffee was born. Through selling specialty grade, fresh roasted coffee, I saw a path to provide others with the support they might need to find their own Venus—whether through a service dog, therapy, or community. With each bag of coffee sold, I’m able to contribute to programs that assist veterans with finding healing and peace, including access to service dogs tailored to their unique needs.

A Tribute to Venus and All Service Dogs

Every time I see Venus, I’m reminded of how much she’s given to my life. She’s not only my service dog; she’s family, a partner in this journey. I hope to honor her and all service dogs by continuing to raise awareness of their incredible contributions. Their work changes lives, and for some of us, they become a beacon of hope and strength.

In Venus, I found a friend and a lifeline. I’m grateful every day for her steadying presence, and I hope by sharing our story, I can bring attention to the life-changing impact of service dogs. Through Honorguard Coffee, we're honored to help provide a pathway for others to experience the same transformative connection, resilience, and companionship that Venus has brought into my life.