BATTLE BUDDY INITIATIVE
Using the healing power of dogs in the fight against post traumatic stress (PTS)
Every 65 minutes a veteran with PTS dies by suicide. The video below shows what
happened when Staff Sergeant Randy Dexter met Surf dog Ricochet at minute 64.
happened when Staff Sergeant Randy Dexter met Surf dog Ricochet at minute 64.
In the military, a battle buddy is your battlefield partner with whom you accomplish a common mission. Battle buddies are always ready to assist one another. Ricochet's battle buddy is Staff Sergeant Randy Dexter. Together, they have a mission to raise awareness, remove the stigma and provide help to those suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTS), Traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s) and other combat issues.
Randy is very courageous in his battle, and is sharing his experiences in an effort to help others. Ricochet has the platform to raise more awareness and funds for PTS, so we came together and created the PTS Battle Buddy Initiative.
Randy is very courageous in his battle, and is sharing his experiences in an effort to help others. Ricochet has the platform to raise more awareness and funds for PTS, so we came together and created the PTS Battle Buddy Initiative.
Or click here
Ricochet's soldier, Randy's transformation
It WILL happen for you too!
Ricochet's soldier, Randy Dexter on his
first day of school. Ricochet accompanied him as his service dog. |
|
Videos
Click the titles below to see videos of Randy and his wife, Becky speaking on each subject. We hope that by hearing their first hand accounts it will provide more information, understanding, awareness and ultimately save lives.
|
Ricochet first met Randy through the goal directed therapy work she does with Paws'itive Team's Canine Inspired Community Re-integration (CICR) program.
The program helps active duty military with PTS make the transition back into the civilian world through canine therapy. The dogs are handled by the service members for two hours at a time over a six week period. The goal of the program is for service members to experience a reduction in their anxiety and other PTS symptoms by having a dog accompany them. Although the dogs are working as highly trained, certified goal directed therapy dogs, this program gives them insight into what it would be like to have a service dog. The dogs are given special permission to accompany the service member in places that evoke anxiety such as Walmart, Home Depot, Restaurants, stores and a number of other places. |
To find out more about PTS dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support dogs & service dogs, please read our blog... "So you want a PTS service dog: Important factors to consider before getting one"
We are honored to introduce you to Ricochet's good FURiend & battle buddy, Randy...
We are honored to introduce you to Ricochet's good FURiend & battle buddy, Randy...
My name is Randall Dexter, and I am a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army. I have been a combat medic for the last ten years, and have spent twenty-seven months fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom. On April 5, 2005, my life changed forever.
My squad and I were hit with a very large improvised explosive device (IED). I hit my head on the metal panel behind me in the HMVEE and suffered a concussion. Three Iraqis were severely injured in the blast, one gravely with an open head wound. Being the only medic on site, I began treatment when the site was secured. The injuries that I treated were the first major injuries I had ever treated as a medic. Two of the men survived, but the man with the open head wound unfortunately did not. That was the beginning of what was to come of my twenty-seven months. That night, now that I look back on it, my whole outlook on life began to change.
For four years since that fateful day, my life symptomatically seemed to be falling apart. Every time I fell asleep I was having horrific nightmares, which made me scared to sleep. So I wouldn’t sleep, or would have to get drunk enough to pass out. I couldn’t go out in public places because crowds and meeting people I didn’t know caused agonizing panic attacks. I would snap into a rageful monster at the drop of a dime. I couldn’t concentrate on anything longer than thirty-seconds because my mind would always be back in Iraq or full of anxiety. I would avoid anything or anyone that might remind me of Iraq or trigger the anxiety that was caused, and if I couldn’t I would have to be heavily intoxicated to function.
In April of 2009, I was diagnosed with PTS, and the demons I had hidden for so long were out of the box. I began my long journey into treatment, and let me say that this has been harder than actual combat itself. I have been active in AA, individual counseling, physical activities and somehow I just couldn't find whatever it was that I needed to stop the suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, rage outbursts, nightmares, panic attacks, and all around feeling that I had no hope to a better future.
My squad and I were hit with a very large improvised explosive device (IED). I hit my head on the metal panel behind me in the HMVEE and suffered a concussion. Three Iraqis were severely injured in the blast, one gravely with an open head wound. Being the only medic on site, I began treatment when the site was secured. The injuries that I treated were the first major injuries I had ever treated as a medic. Two of the men survived, but the man with the open head wound unfortunately did not. That was the beginning of what was to come of my twenty-seven months. That night, now that I look back on it, my whole outlook on life began to change.
For four years since that fateful day, my life symptomatically seemed to be falling apart. Every time I fell asleep I was having horrific nightmares, which made me scared to sleep. So I wouldn’t sleep, or would have to get drunk enough to pass out. I couldn’t go out in public places because crowds and meeting people I didn’t know caused agonizing panic attacks. I would snap into a rageful monster at the drop of a dime. I couldn’t concentrate on anything longer than thirty-seconds because my mind would always be back in Iraq or full of anxiety. I would avoid anything or anyone that might remind me of Iraq or trigger the anxiety that was caused, and if I couldn’t I would have to be heavily intoxicated to function.
In April of 2009, I was diagnosed with PTS, and the demons I had hidden for so long were out of the box. I began my long journey into treatment, and let me say that this has been harder than actual combat itself. I have been active in AA, individual counseling, physical activities and somehow I just couldn't find whatever it was that I needed to stop the suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, rage outbursts, nightmares, panic attacks, and all around feeling that I had no hope to a better future.
|
When I first met Ricochet I was lost, broken, and looking for some strength so that I could have some hope to be the man, father, and husband I know I was capable of being. Instantly Ricochet gave me what I was looking for, and I felt fully alive for the first time in years for those 90 minutes. After the 6 weeks were over she knew exactly when I was too anxious, or if I would be better off not going down a certain aisle in Walmart because it would be stressful for me. We were truly in sync. I had the strength I was lacking for so long. And from then on, I pushed myself to keep doing everything I could. I will continue to kick this PTS in the ass like I was trained to fight in war. That’s the soldier in me. And, the medic in me wants to help as many like me as I can. I’m on a mission.
Ricochet is on a mission too! She and Randy have teamed up and created a partnership! Even though his 6 weeks in the Paws'itive Teams program came to an end, Ricochet continued her work with him until he got his own service dog. They are both committed to helping others while they're at it too! Our goal is to raise awareness of PTS, remove the stigma associated with it, educate the public and showcase the therapeutic partnerships between dogs and those with PTS. We'll also be sharing helpful tips on what one should look for when considering a service dog, recovery resources and much more. |
Here's how Randy's wife, Rebecca describes his ongoing partnership with Ricochet...
I see such a change in Randy when he's with Ricochet. I know Ricochet can get him out of that downward, fast, scary slope into PTS hell. Once that devil grabs a hold of him, it takes days if not weeks to have a husband who will talk with more than one word, or a nod of his head. The non existing husband people think doesn't live here as he is sleeping all the time in a dark room only to wake once maybe to eat. Ricochet is the ONLY person (she's more than a dog) that has EVER snapped randy out of being taken a hold of by the PTS devil. I've never seen him switch so fast. It's like she knows where his switch is and no one else does."
I see such a change in Randy when he's with Ricochet. I know Ricochet can get him out of that downward, fast, scary slope into PTS hell. Once that devil grabs a hold of him, it takes days if not weeks to have a husband who will talk with more than one word, or a nod of his head. The non existing husband people think doesn't live here as he is sleeping all the time in a dark room only to wake once maybe to eat. Ricochet is the ONLY person (she's more than a dog) that has EVER snapped randy out of being taken a hold of by the PTS devil. I've never seen him switch so fast. It's like she knows where his switch is and no one else does."
Be sure to check our other pages for additional info and resources too!
|
Ricochet has been working with Paws'itive Teams CICR program since 2011. During that time, she has displayed extra-ordinary intuition and a natural propensity to assist service members in ways a service dog would. On many occasions Ricochet was able to sense subtle changes in their body when they were beginning to have a panic attack, anxiety attack, increased pain or other compromising behavior. She instinctively alerted them, which interrupted an oncoming debilitating or destructive behavior, and helped them to refocus on her and work through the problem. |
This Battle Buddy partnership with Randy gave him the unique opportunity to identify what he needs in a service dog, learn dog handling skills, and experience the healing power of a dog without rushing into a decision. There are many factors involved in PTS, service dogs, therapy dogs and the day to day process, and we plan to share whatever we learn with anyone else who has PTS, or loves someone who does.
Ricochet might not be a service dog in the traditional sense, but she can sure help Randy and others learn lots of things that will help in their decision making about a potential service dog. We became a catalyst that helped to enable and empower Randy to break the cycle and gain back his independence. He became stronger, gained confidence, partook in normal activities of daily living, developed coping strategies, built trust and function outside his home. It's this momentum that helped him move forward, re-integrate into society and face challenges he had been avoiding. Our wish for him is that he can lead a normal life again. Not only for himself, but for his wife and three children.
We know our paths have crossed for a reason. And, although we don't know exactly what we'll discover, we're confident that together we will accomplish something bigger than just ourselves. Sharing his hardships for the whole world to see was difficult for Randy, but he is committed to making a difference. There is no doubt in our mind that he will find his life purpose while helping many others on their journey to recovery.
Thank you for supporting Ricochet and Randy with our PTS Battle Buddy Initiative!
We know our paths have crossed for a reason. And, although we don't know exactly what we'll discover, we're confident that together we will accomplish something bigger than just ourselves. Sharing his hardships for the whole world to see was difficult for Randy, but he is committed to making a difference. There is no doubt in our mind that he will find his life purpose while helping many others on their journey to recovery.
Thank you for supporting Ricochet and Randy with our PTS Battle Buddy Initiative!
PUPDATE: In 2018, Randy became the Campus Director for K9's for Warriors, the service dog organization that Ricochet raised funds for so he could get his own service dog. Randy is doing incredibly well, and we're very proud of him!
|
Proud supporter of the: Lone Survivor Foundation.
The Lone Survivor Foundation provides support for our wounded service members, their spouses, children, and caregiver(s) by empowering them with helpful techniques and tools addressing Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), sexual trauma and pain management. The Lone Survivor Foundation restores, empowers, and renews hope for our wounded service members and their families. The Lone Survivor Foundation is a Federal 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2010 by Navy SEAL (Ret.) Marcus Luttrell. |
Here are some additional links to learn more about PTS and service dogs...
Pets for Patriots is a great organization that pairs veterans with shelter dogs (and cats) as companions
Military Veteran Project raises awareness and enlists the community's support. Provides reintegration for service members with peer to peer support. Provides services, programs and grants the empowerment to Military Veterans.
A video that is a good representation of how a veteran with PTS sees the world (warning: there are some graphic images) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkWwZ9ZtPEI
For a list of accredited service dog programs that place dogs for PTS, go to https://www.assistancedogsinternational.org
Vanilla Grass, a novel of redemption shows the healing power of dogs for those struggling with PTS when conventional attempts of therapy have failed.