A Warrior’s Best Friend How a Rescue Dog Changed a Veteran’s Life
When Marine William “Bill” Lins returned home from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, he felt ruined. He wasn’t the same man anymore and felt like he didn’t fit in anywhere. After sustaining multiple injuries and witnessing the horrors of battle, he never thought he would be able to go back to living a normal life. That is until the nonprofit K-9s For Warriors helped him find his missing link — a rescue dog appropriately named Link. K-9 For Warriors has been pairing highly trained service dogs with military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma since 2011. The free program strives to better the lives of veterans through special canine bonds and ultimately end veteran suicide, which claims the lives of roughly 20 veterans every day.
When Bill returned from deployment, he had to recover from two surgeries and realized he had PTSD. He had developed severe alcoholism, drinking every day nonstop as his only coping mechanism. In a hopeless place, the Marine felt like he was losing every piece of his identity and had nothing left. After seeing a friend at the VA bring in his service dog, he noticed a remarkable change in him and decided to apply for the program. Bill felt an instant connection to the goofy rescue dog Link, who was recovering from his own trauma after living a rough life in a kill shelter. Bill said his canine companion is his 24/7 therapist, providing him with support and safety at all hours. Link doesn’t just impact Bill’s life; he makes a difference with everyone he encounters, from Bill’s children to the youth athletes he coaches.
“Together, we kind of make each other whole,” Bill said. “He makes everyone’s world better, and he makes it seem effortless.” Link has inspired Bill to help others and spread a message of awareness that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a symbol of strength. Bill has since earned his master’s in social work and provides mental health services with his tail-wagging companion by his side for every session. Together, the pair are showing veterans everywhere that there is hope and that life can get better with a little help from a four-legged friend.
How a Rescue Dog Changed a Veteran’s Life RIDING FOR A CAUSE Cloverleaf Polo Classic Raises Funds for Life-Changing Equine Therapy
The Cloverleaf Polo Classic is the signature community event and largest annual fundraiser in support of Cloverleaf Equine Center’s mission. Kim has been on the planning committee for the event for the last two years, and Kelly is involved in the organization’s investment committee. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon featuring world-class polo, lively live and silent auctions, music, gourmet dining, and refreshing drinks — all set against the stunning backdrop of Virginia’s scenic hunt and wine country. The event highlights Cloverleaf’s vital work in empowering children and adults with disabilities, underserved youth, marginalized communities, and military personnel in recovery, showcasing the impact the center has on these individuals’ lives.
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