Service dog helps Air Force veteran remain calm

Jeremy Webb was medically discharged from the U.S. Air Force 11 years ago.

“I had a car wreck in May 2005 rendering me deaf in my left ear and they told me I couldn't do my job anymore,” said Webb. 

The crash also left Jeremy with a brain injury that affected his temperament. Jeremy's wife called Patriot PAWS hoping a service dog would help stabilize the disabled veteran.

“Because of the head trauma I have anger issues, so she contacted them trying to find something that would help,” Webb said.  

Jeremy was matched with a service dog from Patriot PAWS about six months ago and he instantly noticed a difference.

“I was sleeping better, I was eating better, I was becoming a human again if you will,” said Webb. 

After being hospitalized for a mental breakdown, Jeremy needed to figure out where he was going to live. He surrendered the dog back to Patriot PAWS, but he quickly realized he wanted to try again.

“When I was home with my last dog, my mood swings weren't as violent tending. When I did have my breakdown, the dog was there. The dog intervened, he kept me safe, kept everybody else safe, allowed help to intervene,” Webb said. 

Jeremy went through the entire training process all over again with different dogs. Then he finally met his match. He’s hopeful that his second dog will have the same effect as the first so he can be the best father he can be.

“I don't have to worry about the other people being around. I can focus on what I need to cause I know that dog's got my back and he's watching everybody else, so I can be a dad and watch my four children and make sure they're not doing what they're not supposed to,” said Webb. 

Now when times get tough, Jeremy has yellow Labrador retriever Reckless to give him pause before letting his emotions get the best of him.

“You can be having the worst day in the world and they'll instantly make it better,” Webb said. 

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