Y’S CORNER Scout’s Meaningful Mission A BLACK LAB’S ROLE IN TRANSFORMING A VETERAN’S LIFE
TH INSURANCE TIPS
For former U.S. Army Cavalry Scout Ryan Finch, life after his tour of duty was a battlefield of its own. Haunted by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the weight of his experiences, Ryan struggled to navigate even the simplest moments of daily life. But then Scout came into his life and became a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a steadfast partner in his journey toward healing. Scout, a vibrant black Lab, has done more than help Ryan manage his anxiety; he’s transformed his world. Crowds and loud noises, once overwhelming triggers, are now manageable with Scout by his side. Soccer games, family gatherings, and the everyday joys of life that once seemed impossible are now part of Ryan’s new normal. Scout’s presence allows Ryan to enter spaces he never thought he’d enter again, not as a man weighed down by his past, but as a father, a husband, and a human being rediscovering connection. The story of how Scout came into Ryan’s life feels almost destined. Before his deployment, Ryan and his wife had adopted a black Lab, coincidentally named Scout, who died before Ryan went overseas and whose loss Ryan never truly reconciled as he was away from home. So, when Ryan arrived at K9s For Warriors, and the trainers introduced him to his new service dog — a black Lab named Scout — it was a moment of profound healing and renewal. It was as if life had come full circle, offering Ryan a second chance at hope. K9s For Warriors is a testament to the life-changing power of service animals. Determined to combat the devastating reality that 20 veterans die by suicide every day, this program rescues and trains dogs to become service animals for veterans grappling with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. The result is transformative. Veterans find independence, confidence, and purpose, while rescue dogs gain a life of devotion and meaning. The impact is undeniable. Graduates of the program report mended family relationships, reduced medication reliance, and renewed joy in life. Ryan’s wife has seen the change firsthand, describing her husband as more engaged, animated, and hopeful for the future. Scout symbolizes resilience and proves that an incredible bond can heal even the deepest wounds.
aware that these policies do not cover preexisting conditions, pet supplies, cosmetic-type surgeries, and elective surgeries. Also, it’s very important to know that most pet health insurance policies work on a reimbursement model, which means you’ll still need to pay the emergency service provider upfront before the insurance company pays you back. If you want to learn more about pet health insurance, check out PawlicyAdvisor.com (Get it?). It’s a fantastic resource for pet owners who want answers to their questions and to research all kinds of pet health insurance providers. On behalf of my fellow dogs and all the cats who bring you joy, I thank you for looking into pet health insurance — and for all you do to keep us happy and healthy all year round!
TURKEY DELIGHT FOR YOUR PUP Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Our dogs want everything we eat — especially the unhealthy foods! This homemade treat is vet-approved and will satisfy the taste buds of the even pickiest pups.
INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground turkey • 6 cups water • 2 cups brown rice
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1 tsp dried rosemary
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1/2 (16-oz) package frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower combination
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large Dutch oven over high heat, combine ground turkey, water, brown rice, and rosemary. 2. Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. 3. Add frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. 4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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