Combat PTSD Vietnam Veteran Turned to Service Dog

Vietnam vet with PTSD says service dog saved his life
Palm Beach Post
By Faran Fagen
Special to The Palm Beach Post

When Jon Gurley has nightmares, Gunner rubs a wet nose on his face to comfort him.

When Gurley wakes up, he says “Gunner, light” and a helpful paw illuminates their Boynton Beach bedroom. As part of their morning routine, Gunner also brings Gurley his cell phone and medication.

Gunner is a service dog, and without him, Gurley – a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder – may not have survived.

“After years of nightmares, trying to cope with everyday life and many in-patient services from the various veteran (VA) facilities, I was reaching my end,” said Gurley, 68. “Then another disabled veteran recommended that I contact Paws 4 Liberty and it changed my life.”

Born in Akron, Ohio, Gurley entered the Marines in 1955. He was a combat field wireman and served in the Vietnam War. He joined the Ohio National Guard as a flying crew chief in 1975 and served until 1981, when he was honorably discharged after being diagnosed with PTSD.
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