Arizona Marine veterans matched with special service dogs

PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — Our veterans need support that is greatly deserved, and sometimes, that help comes in the form of a four-legged companion! Two Arizona Marines were matched with special service dogs thanks to Fulton Homes’ “Service Pets for Vets” program.

Carolyn Reyes and Darryl Alexander are both Marine veterans who were honored at Soldier’s Best Friend in Peoria, a nonprofit dedicated to pairing service dogs with eligible veterans at no cost to them.

Reyes served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is now wrapping up training with her service dog Nadji, who will help her as she struggles with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury.

Meanwhile, Alexander lives with PTSD after 20 years in the Marines. He says his second service dog, Bella, has made a massive difference in his life by helping him manage his PTSD and anxiety, along with a mental health toll from losing close friends in combat.

Both Reyes and Alexander say their service dogs have been life-changing for them. Fulton Homes will cover the cost of training, totaling roughly $5,000, ensuring that the veterans won’t have to worry about cost.

In addition, both veterans also received a $250 gift card to PetSmart and a new dog house from Fulton Homes.

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