Our Paws for Purple Hearts program helps heal our returning servicemen by teaching those with PTSD to train service dogs for those with physical disabilities.

Life changed forever for Rob Bailey on January 22, 1971. As an infantryman he was on patrol in the central highlands of Vietnam when gunfire from an ambush shattered his spine, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. These injuries caused him to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pain and depression.

In 2004 Rob took a new approach to dealing with his disabilities. He applied to the Assistance Dog Institute for a service dog. His first encounter with Yates was "love at first sight." They were a perfect match from the beginning: Graduation day was the start of a new chapter in Rob's life.

Yates's presence has opened the door to a series of small miracles. Rob now has a purpose and structure to his day, and with Yates's assistance he can do more things for himself. He sleeps better and has more energy and less pain since his focus is on his dog, not his problems. Yates has played a primary role in helping Rob mange his PTSD. Yates not only goes to therapy sessions with him, but he comforts him when the nightmares come. "It's magic" are the words that Rob uses to describe this extraordinary healing relationship.