Veteran Battling PTSD Finds Companionship And Love In Two Furry Best
Friends
Julie E.H.
By Julie E.H.
Our service men and women are keeping our country safe but sadly, many
are coming home with PTSD. According to the National Institute of Mental
Health
<https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml>,
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), “is a disorder that develops in
some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.”
PTSD manifests differently in sufferers, with very real and very
physical symptoms. Many sufferers become housebound, feeling too
frightened to be apart of the outside world. For Stephen Simmons, things
that he loved to do just weren’t possible anymore. Until… he met Burma
and Puppi.
Burma was adopted by Simmons when a young girl that had a box of kittens
came up to him. Once Simmons held Burma, their love connection was instant.
Burma is no ordinary cat. He loves to go on adventures. Swimming,
hiking, and exploring the world motivates his cat-dad to get out with
him. Having Burma by his side and seeing that the world is okay, gives
Simmons the security he needs to continue to live an adventurous life style.
Puppi was found by Simmons on a mountaintop in 2004. The only time they
have been apart is when Simmons had to deploy to Iraq. Puppi became
Simmon’s service dog after he came home with PTSD. She has been there
through the toughest times.Together, this trio is taking on the world
together. Without Burma and Puppi, Simmons is sure he would not have
made such amazing strides in his battle with PTSD.
