by: Keith Cate
Posted: Aug 6, 2024 / 06:00 AM EDTUpdated: Aug 6, 2024 / 04:21 PM EDT
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — Marine veteran Greg Ferrer has found an extraordinary ally in his battle against PTSD: a shelter dog named Kaipo.
“He senses my anxiety and my feelings,” Greg shared.
During his first deployment to Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device blew up his armored vehicle.
“We flew six feet up,” Greg said. “The right tire went about 300 meters to the right, and the left tire was totally 180. I pretty much dislocated my left shoulder when I hit the fire extinguisher.”
After a tough recovery, Greg was sent back out, only to face the same nightmare.
“The brain inside the skull gets rocked around,” Greg said. “I had to go through a lot of emotional therapy, psychological therapy, but a lot of physical therapy.”
Diagnosed with PTSD, Greg struggled to find peace after returning home until he found comfort in a shelter dog he named Kaipo, meaning sweetheart.
“And I just knew right then and there we connected, we clicked,” he said.
Their connection was extraordinary. A friend encouraged Greg to enroll Kaipo in a training program at K9 Partners for Patriots, a non-profit in Brooksville aiding veterans with trauma.
“They worked so well together, the bond for them was so good,” said Mary Peter, founder of K9 Partners for Patriots. “They were happy going through the training. They did extremely well.”
They graduated six months later, their partnership even stronger.
“Kaipo always gives me confidence within myself to go out in public and do the things I need to do on a day-to-day basis,” Greg said.
Activities like grocery shopping became manageable.
“Normally, before I got Kaipo it was a high anxiety, high stressful environment for me; just going out in public,” Greg explained. “He’ll start concentrating on me more. He’ll lick me, rub up against me, or just put his head on my leg.”
Kaipo, attuned to Greg’s emotions, can detect adrenaline levels that humans can’t.
“It’s through the adrenaline or cortisol that is produced during the stressful moments, panic attacks, depression, pain, anger. Your body produces adrenaline,” Peter added.
Whether in a crowd or on a peaceful boat ride, Kaipo always tunes into Greg’s mood.
“This is almost like therapy too, being on the water,” Greg admitted.
I joined them for lunch at a waterfront restaurant, the kind of place Greg once avoided. But with Kaipo by his side, he now faces social settings with newfound ease.
“He’s so cute,” a waitress remarked as Kaipo lied at Greg’s feet, ever watchful, ready to protect him against PTSD triggers and pull him back from anxiety.
When asked if he could imagine life without him, Greg said he couldn’t.
“No,” Greg stated. “I don’t want to. Having him now is not only ‘the biggest help’ but it gets rid of so many different negative things that I could be thinking about, but I can never imagine not having him.”
Their bond transcends words, healing deep wounds, and offering unwavering support and love. For Greg, Kaipo isn’t just a dog; he’s a lifeline.
About K9 Partners for Patriots:
K9 Partners for Patriots, based in Brooksville, FL, is dedicated to helping military veterans overcome trauma through the powerful bond with trained service dogs. For more information, visit https://k9partnersforpatriots.com
