Bringing awareness to veteran suicide
In 2023, Military Animal Project (MAP) worked with a veteran (for privacy reasons we have changed their names to John & Tucker) in Reno, NV that needed help with boarding his dog, Tucker so he could go into immediate inpatient treatment.
John, an Army veteran, adopted a 3 year old Pit Bull/Corso mix from a local shelter in 2022 and named him Tucker. John proudly described Tucker to us – “He’s very energetic outside. Indoors he’s really well behaved and otherwise a pretty happy pup.” Then John smiled with a chuckle, “If you ask him nicely, he might even sit for you every once in a while.”
In August 2023, John’s caseworker was able to get him a much needed, immediate 45-day inpatient treatment placement in AZ. MAP spoke with John, his caseworker, his sister and his mom regarding boarding for Tucker. Bob Horrell, MAP Co-Founder/Executive Director, met with John’s sister and did a behavioral assessment on Tucker. Tucker, although a very large intimidating looking dog, was a sweet, playful dog that could use some basic training.
Through the efforts of everyone involved, Tucker was placed with a foster who also happened to be a dog trainer. So, while John was away getting treatment, Tucker was in a loving home and able to receive all his basic training. This gave John the much-needed comfort knowing Tucker was in good hands…allowing him to focus on his treatment/recovery. After 45 days, John finished his treatment, picked up Tucker and both went home.
Over the next few days, Bob, John’s mom, and the foster/dog trainer tried following up and reaching out to John. He wasn't answering their calls/texts and everyone began to get concerned. John’s mom finally went to his apartment to check on him. Tragically, John was found inside with Tucker standing watch over him. John had died by suicide.
With no one to take Tucker in, he was regrettably taken to the local shelter. The foster/dog trainer tried getting information on Tucker. At first, the shelter wasn't providing much information on Tucker, but as time passed they started to keep everyone up to date on his status.
On December 4, 2023, the shelter happily informed everyone that Tucker had been adopted! Tucker’s foster/dog trainer was able to connect with the new owners and graciously offered to finish Tucker’s training.
In the nearly 10 years MAP has been operating, we have never lost a veteran to suicide. There have been threats and attempts but this was the first loss. Sadly, even with all the support through family, friends & resources available - everything lining up exactly as needed – it just couldn’t stop the inevitable path John was on.
This experience, although tragic, has brought to light a very important pet support need in a veteran’s path to treatment & recovery. MAP has spoken with doctors, therapists and caseworkers regarding the importance of having available boarding/fostering resources for veterans going into immediate treatment. Many veterans have turned down treatment because they do not have a safe place for their 4-legged friends while they are gone.
Going into 2024, MAP is working on fostering/boarding resources to add to our Veteran Pet Support Program. This is a very important service needed to support our veterans while in treatment, surgery or during a medical emergency. Knowing their best friend is in loving hands, gives them the ability to truly focus on their mental/physical recovery and heal faster.
Most importantly, it also gives them something to look forward to when they return home and start their new healthy, healing path together!
You can help support this new program by becoming an approved - Apply to Become a Foster
