How a Rescue Pup from Kuwait Renewed This Navy Veteran’s Hope and Joy

Glancing at the clock, Angelique Williams sighed sadly. She’d spent another day in bed. Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and mobility challenges since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2009, Angelique had become depressed. She lacked the motivation or energy to do even simple tasks, much less participate in the activities that had once brought her so much joy—running, hiking, surfing, painting, drawing and even journaling. Months became years, as despair and hopelessness slowly swallowed Angelique. She even contemplated ending her life—and that terrified her.

I can’t go on this way , Angelique realized. Angelique had heard about other struggling veterans who had gotten service dogs to help them. Having had—and loved—dogs throughout her life, Angelique knew how healing the unconditional love and loyalty of a pet can be, and her heart began to open to the idea.

Maybe I should get a dog. Maybe a furry friend is exactly what I need, she thought.

A four-legged lifeline

Angelique filled out an application with Paws of War, a nonprofit that rescues, trains and places shelter dogs (many from war-torn countries) with U.S. military veterans that suffer from the emotional effects of service. And in November 2021, she got the call.

“There’s a dog we’d like you to meet,” the woman said excitedly, telling her about Buddy, found emaciated by a soldier in Kuwait.

That poor guy, she thought.

The next day—ironically, Veteran’s Day—Angelique made the hour-and-a-half drive to meet Buddy as a mixture of anxiety and happiness swirled in her head. When she walked through the door and made eye contact with Buddy, he rushed over and licked her right hand and wrist. As she petted him, he turned and sat down on her left side. Tears welled in Angelique’s eyes because, although she hadn’t told anyone at Paws of War, she’d sustained injuries to her right wrist and hand and left leg, I can’t believe he picked up on that, she thought, and immediately knew Buddy was meant to be her dog.

Love heals

Right away, Buddy changed Angelique’s life. He needed to be fed and walked. If she didn’t get up, he would stomp his feet, bark and pull the covers off of her. Let’s go, his eager eyes would say.

Angelique realized Buddy needed her as much as she needed him. He’d been starved—for food and love. She gave him lots of both. A cuddle and mozzarella cheese always got his tail wagging.

As Buddy’s body grew stronger, Angelique was captivated by his lively nature and boundless energy. And she wasn’t alone.

On walks, people were drawn to Buddy and frequently stopped to pet him. In the past, Angelique’s PTSD would cause her to retreat, heart racing. But she felt safe with Buddy and began to engage in conversation. Slowly, her world began to open up.

With Buddy by her side, Angelique is enjoying activities that once felt impossible, like hiking in Upstate New York, taking road trips to see family, surfing, kayaking and exploring new places, as well as tackling daily tasks, all of which significantly improved her mental and overall health.

Still, there are days when Angelique’s injuries take a toll on her. She marvels at Buddy’s ability to sense her emotional state and physical limitations. He’s learned to open and close doors, turn lights on and off, and grab whatever Angelique needs, which allows her to rest and regroup.

“Paws of War bringing Buddy into my life has been a blessing beyond words. We are both alive because of their dedication to helping veterans and animals,” Angelique says. “I never imagined I could have such a deep and meaningful relationship with a service dog. This relationship has given me hope, purpose and a renewed sense of joy in life. I no longer think about taking my life because I want to stay here for him because he’s here for me. With my strong faith in God, and help from Buddy, I have the ability to overcome all my obstacles.”

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