Good Deeds By Good People, Warsaw Breeder Donates Dog To Veteran
WARSAW — Local breeder Ashlee Ryman, associated with Ryman Auto Connection, has answered a veteran’s prayers by donating a puppy to become a service dog.
Chris, who wishes to have his last name concealed, from Indianapolis, served with the U.S. Army from 2007-2011 and suffers from extreme post-traumatic stress disorder. After seeing the positive effects of what a service dog can do for someone suffering from PTSD, a friend of Chris’ contacted over 50 breeders to try and find someone willing to lower the cost or to allow monthly payments.
For months the calls fell on deaf ears, until Ryman called back. Ryman and husband Brian breed Rottweiler puppies, with a litter being born in July. Normally sold for around $850, Ryman offered up a female puppy for free.
Meela, who Chris plans to rename Liberty, will be trained by K9s 4 Dog Tags, out of Beech Grove, an organization that provides service dogs to veterans. While the organization usually works with rescue dogs, Chris wanted a puppy to grow up with his 9-year-old at home.
Liberty will go through level two obedience training and will receive a patch specifying that she is a PTSD service dog. Service dogs provide people with PTSD with security and comfort, easing symptoms.