My name is Ava, and I retired out of the U.S. Marines in 2020 after 20 years on active duty. I was deployed to Afghanistan twice and started noticing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in between those deployments. It wasn’t until my children came into the picture when I started taking my mental health more seriously, as my PTSD was gradually interfering with my ability to enjoy day-to-day activities. I discovered Fidos for Freedom shortly after I was diagnosed, and as a veteran with “invisible” wounds, it took me months to complete the service dog application. I’m glad I did. I discovered a network of selfless volunteers who guided me through the process and ultimately matched me with Salem. I trusted the process because I knew I had the constant support of professionals, who generously gave years of their lives to this organization. With Salem, I have been able to visit places with my family that I would have previously avoided. She helps me with my PTSD symptoms when they arise, whether at home or work. I realized early on in the process I would have to embrace being an example of someone with “invisible” wounds and explain this to people if and when they ask why I have a service dog. I will be forever thankful Salem came into my life because she gives me the courage to take this on and continue to provide awareness to what many veterans experience. Without Fidos for Freedom, Salem wouldn’t have come into my life, so I am forever grateful to this amazing organization.