In 2001, Amanda Peterson joined the Army Reserve to help pay for college. At the age of 19, she was transferred to Afghanistan, and then to Iraq twice after that.
Her time abroad has broadened her horizons and been traumatized. She has dealt with numerous mortar attacks and other things that put her life in jeopardy.
When she finally returned from deployment, she was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Due to her PTSD, she was triggered by loud noises and large crowds.
Not only has it affected her personally, but it has also put a strain on her relationships with family and friends.
Her negative thoughts and emotions accumulated over the years to the point where she even considered suicide.
Peterson knew that none of the medications she could take would help, so she began researching other options.
That’s when she stumbled across K9s for Warriors, an organization that matches service dogs trained with people who are suffering from PTSD and brain injuries, for free. The dogs they choose are rescued from local animal shelters and undergo advanced training to help these veterans reach their full potential.
In 2019, Peterson was paired with her K9, Chesdin, who made all the difference in the world for Peterson in an instant.
Chesdin helps manage Peterson’s stress and brings a sense of peace into her daily life. Chesdin helps Peterson focus on the things that really matter, instead of letting her mind wander with bad thoughts and worries.
Chesdin gave Peterson the independence and confidence she lacked for years.
“He’s an extension of me,” says Peterson KENS 5. “And he got lost. He was rescued and I don’t know his story before. But now we have to write our own story. “
Learn more about Peterson and Chesdin in the video below:
