Operation At Ease, Inc.

I am beyond thankful for seeing OAE on the news because that day forever changed my life! I am a disabled Veteran who suffers from PTSD, severe reoccurring depression, and anxiety along with Musculoskeletal issues that can be disabling. When I called OAE I was expecting the turn around time to be just like all of the other Service Dog Non profits out there, be stuck on a waiting list, or a month to get a call back. Twenty minutes after I left the message my phone rang and it was Joni the founder of OAE. We talked for what felt like hours just about my life and how a service dog would change all of that. The very next day Joni had me at OAE to fill out the paperwork and to meet the puppy who I had gotten a few months back. At that point my pup was too young to start training because he was only 8 months old but that didn’t stop OAE from helping me with tips on puppy training, sending dog food and weekly check ins to make sure I was doing well. Fast forward a year my pup passed everything with flying colors except laying down when we were out to eat. I wanted to give up but Joni and the team at OAE wouldn’t let me quit. On her own time Joni would meet me at Starbucks to work on my guys laying down while I ate or sat in a restaurant. Joni helped me feel comfortable in public and learn to relax because my pup was feeling my anxiety and couldn’t relax until he knew I was ok. We finally passed and it didn’t stop there. OAE has become our family. The team is always so supportive and loving and Joni will have the back of any one of her Veterans in a heartbeat. I am so thankful for OAE and how they have helped not only change my quality of life but my children’s quality of life as well. Thank you OAE!