This is a profile from our “You Rescue Me” contest, which ran in early 2014: Neal’s entry on behalf of paws4people / paws4vets.

Hello! My name is Neal and I would like to tell everyone about my dog Piper. He is a Golden Retriever that is helping to change my life. In 2007 I had to retire from my job as a Paramedic after 23 years of service, diagnosed with PTSD. Piper has been a great help. He is always there when I need him day or night, helping to change my life. I’m now able go places after several years of staying at home. He knows when I become distracted with flashbacks and breaks my concentration, makes me meet others and guards me when I need it. All I need to say is thank God for him and Paws4People.