THE DOG THAT SAVED A VETERAN FROM A STROKE BARKING AT THE RIGHT MOMENT
When Hank Ford ended his service with the U.S. Army and Marines, he felt completely alone. The veteran had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggled to trust people. But dogs were a different story.
Hank wasted no time driving himself to the hospital, and it was only then that he realized how crucial his dog’s fast thinking really was. The doctor informed him he was experiencing an A-fib or irregular heartbeat. Left untreated, it could lead to life-altering or deadly strokes. “They told me, had he not woken me up, I could have had a major stroke in bed, or not woken up at all,” he said. "He saved my life."
When he received his service dog, a yellow Labrador named Tommy, he gained a steadfast companion who made each day a little less scary.
"Used to be, I walk into a place, and I'm looking for exits,” Ford said in an interview. “I'm watching everybody. I'm just not trusting anything that's going on, and with him, all that seems to have gone away.” Though his four-legged friend had brought so much relief and calm to his life, he never expected Tommy would actually save his life. The pup prevented a massive stroke that could have had dire consequences. Early one morning, Tommy broke all of his usual routines, barking at Hank at an odd time while the veteran snoozed. He was persistent, using his voice like never before and pawing at Hank’s chest until he arose. Clearly, Tommy sensed something
Hank received treatment, and in the months since the incident, he’s been feeling more like himself.
The veteran was incredibly thankful to Dog, Inc., the nonprofit that trained and provided Tommy to assist with his day-to-day mental health needs. Though the Lab was well-trained to handle his owner’s PTSD, Dog, Inc. said his life-saving action went above and beyond.
was wrong, and as soon as Hank stood up, he felt it too. His heart was pounding so hard he could feel it, and when he checked his blood pressure, he was shocked at the number. Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
Tommy’s feat proves just how close the bond between a service dog and their human really is.
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Ingredients Pad Thai • 2 medium zucchini • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1/2 lb peeled and deveined shrimp • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 red bell pepper • 3 green onions • 1 large egg • 2 cups bean sprouts • 1/3 cup roasted peanuts • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional) • Lime wedges (optional) Sauce
Directions
1. In small bowl, combine sauce ingredients; set aside. 2. Using vegetable spiralizer, cut zucchini into noodles. 3. Heat large pan on medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil (reserve the other half). 4. Add zucchini noodles; cook for 2–3 minutes. 5. Let noodles rest for about 3 minutes. Remove noodles, drain, then reheat pan. 6. Add remaining olive oil and garlic; cook 30 seconds. 7. Add shrimp; cook 3 minutes. 8. Add bell peppers and green onions; cook 1–2 minutes. 9. Add egg and stir until cooked. 10. Add back zucchini noodles, then add sauce, and cook for 1 minute. Then add bean sprouts. 11. Serve, garnishing with roasted peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 tbsp fish sauce • 3 tbsp ketchup • 1 tsp packed brown sugar
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• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
Inspired by WhiteOnRiceCouple.com
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