A U.S. Army and Marine Corps veteran from Colorado, Hank Ford, credits his service dog, a yellow Labrador named Tommy, with saving his life during a critical medical emergency. In February 2023, Tommy alerted Ford to a serious health issue, specifically an irregular heartbeat, which could have led to a stroke if not addressed promptly.
Ford, who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has experienced significant improvements in his life since acquiring Tommy. He expressed that the bond between them has been transformative, stating, “It was like night and day. Everybody that knows me can’t believe the difference in me.”
On the morning of the incident, Tommy deviated from his usual routine of waking Ford at approximately 7:00 a.m. Instead, he woke him earlier by hitting him in the chest, a behavior that prompted Ford to seek medical attention. He recounted, “He wasn’t coming up to my face. He was literally hitting me in the chest.” Recognizing that something was wrong, Ford went to the hospital, where he discovered he was experiencing a rapid, irregular heartbeat.
The attending physician informed Ford that if Tommy had not acted as he did, he might not have woken up and could have suffered a massive stroke. Ford underscored the importance of service dogs for veterans, noting that many may hesitate to get one due to concerns about public perception. “A lot of veterans won’t get a dog because they think people look at you differently when you’re walking through a store. But a dog makes a huge difference,” he explained.
The relationship between Ford and Tommy highlights the positive impact service dogs can have on mental health and overall well-being. Ford expressed gratitude for his companion, emphasizing that Tommy has brought light to what he described as a dark period in his life. “Everybody always talks about, you know, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. He turned the lights on,” Ford said.
As Ford continues his journey with Tommy by his side, he hopes to inspire other veterans to consider the benefits of service animals. The experience not only underscores the critical role these animals play in emergency situations but also highlights their potential to transform the lives of those who have served.
