For Tracy Patterson, an Air Force veteran with over 22 years of service, life changed when she met Ned, her service dog. Tracy’s journey to New Life K9s began with decades of sacrifice, service, and resilience. A combat medic, Tracy served on numerous humanitarian missions and combat operations across the globe, including Panama, Qatar, Bosnia and Oman. Tracy put everything into her career, taking on the role of caretaker amid some of the harshest realities of war. Over time, however, the weight of witnessing suffering and experiencing her own trauma left her feeling isolated, withdrawn, and burdened by severe symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Tracy describes a pivotal moment when she felt she had no choice but to leave her government job after retiring from active duty, as the pressures of public spaces and daily interactions became too overwhelming. Simple tasks, once second nature, turned into sources of anxiety, pushing her to the sidelines of her own life. Isolated from family and friends, she found herself struggling alone with her trauma, until one day, a counselor at the VA suggested she consider a PTSD service dog to help her manage her symptoms.
It was through her search for a service dog that Tracy discovered New Life K9s. Her first contact with the organization was welcoming and warm, with staff reaching out quickly and guiding her through the application process. Just three months later, she received the news she had long hoped for: New Life K9s had a dog available to join her on her path to recovery. She attended a four-week training Boot Camp, and there, among the service dogs, she met Ned, an English Yellow Labrador Retriever. The bond between them was instant, a connection she describes as mutual and nearly magical. “It was the first time in years that I felt any real hope for a future,” Tracy reflects.
Since their official match in December 2020, Ned has become Tracy’s steadfast companion, offering her a sense of calm, courage, and companionship. Ned is trained to help with night terrors, lying gently on her chest during nightmares to reassure her, and he senses her anxiety in public, guiding her safely to an exit when needed. Thanks to his intuition and care, Tracy has reclaimed her independence—she now feels at ease in public spaces and enjoys daily walks that nurture both her mind and body. Ned's presence has restored her sense of self, and he has also helped rekindle her relationships with family and friends, transforming her life in ways she once thought impossible.
“Because of Ned, I am a better person, and I have my freedom back,” Tracy shares. She encourages other veterans and first responders to consider a service dog, as she has seen firsthand the life-changing impact they bring. To her, New Life K9s means not only a return to life but also a support network of staff rooting for her success, always available with guidance and encouragement.
Today, Tracy’s story with Ned is one of resilience, healing, and newfound hope. She knows that, with Ned by her side, she is not alone, and life is once again full of possibility.
