Here's a wonderful film about an Iraq War veteran who struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and anger issues. However, his life began to change when he received a dog from the organization Pets for Vets, which takes shelter dogs and trains them to be loving companions for veterans in need. It's a win-win situation: the dog gets a second chance at life, and the returning soldier gets a second chance at health and happiness.

At the Pets for Vets Program, we believe our country owes military veterans a debt of gratitude for their honorable service in all recent conflicts—from Vietnam to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our soldiers have been brave. But many of them have returned with physical and emotional injuries that have made it difficult to transition back to normal civilian life. Some estimates state that as many as 20% of returning military veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

David is very clear about the effects Charley has had on his ability to heal the wounds of war, adding to the evidence of how a loving dog improves both mental and physical health.

David & Charley on Veterans Day 2011 from David Ahrendts on Vimeo.

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