Disabled Iraq war vet and his service dog pass a test, together

Disabled Iraq war vet and his service dog pass a test, together
Carolina Live
by Joel Allen
Posted: 10.30.2013


A former Marine and Grand Strand resident who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder passed a crucial test Wednesday.

Donnell Nelson needs a therapy dog to help him cope with civilian life, but the man who helped him acquire the dog wanted to make sure dog and owner were fully prepared to be a team.

Nelson served three tours of duty in Iraq. He says Maximus, his pit bull terrier, helps him deal with day-to-day pressures, after the war.

"I have anxiety around in crowds, pretty much public places, loud noises, those small things. The dog is there to give me that comfort."

Pit bulls tend to be stereotyped. Nelson says the dogs sometimes get a bad rap. But in a way, that's exactly why he wanted a dog like Maximus.

"So I chose the pit bull because he represents me as who he is, and I represent him as who I am," Nelson explained.
read more here