U.S. Army Veteran Receives Life-Changing Service Dog in Naperville

At a heartfelt Veterans Day event in Naperville, U.S. Army veteran Jim Hertz received an unexpected and transformative gift: a service dog named Rossy. For four months, Hertz believed he was training the eight-month-old pit bull to assist another veteran, but the surprise announcement on November 11, 2023, revealed he would be keeping Rossy to support him with his anxiety.

Hertz’s wife, Megan Hertz, shared her initial concerns about the transition. “I was like, when he wanted to do it and help out, I was like, OK, but the kids are going to love her,” she said. “This is wonderful. They’re going to be so excited.”

The couple is part of K9s for Veterans, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing service dogs to veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The organization rescues dogs from high-risk shelters and partners with the American Warrior Initiative to match them with veterans in need. According to Michael Tellerio, president and CEO of K9s for Veterans, the bond formed during training is crucial: “That dog goes everywhere with the veteran. That dog always has that veteran’s back. He’s never alone. That’s his battle buddy.”

During the event, Hertz expressed his relief and gratitude upon learning he could keep Rossy, who has already made a significant impact on his mental health. “A room like this is pretty stressful for me right now,” he admitted, referring to the crowded venue. “Rossy’s a big help, for sure.”

The American Warrior Initiative reported that over the past six years, they have assisted 430 veterans by pairing them with service dogs. Each dog costs approximately $15,000, and the organization has raised more than $6 million to support their mission. Louise Thaxton, CEO of the American Warrior Initiative, highlighted the generosity of supporters, stating, “The people of Fairway Home Mortgage give almost a million dollars a year just through payroll deduction.”

Both Hertz and Rossy face challenges related to anxiety, but they now have the opportunity to work through these issues together. Hertz mentioned the importance of helping Rossy adjust to new people and environments, adding, “We still have a long ways to go. Just looking forward to what that looks like.”

The American Warrior Initiative is also set to provide another veteran with a service dog on November 12, continuing their commitment to support those who have served in the military. The emotional impact of events like these resonates deeply, reminding communities of the sacrifices made by veterans and the importance of mental health support.