A CST Story: From Trauma to Hope, How a Service Dog Gave This Marine Veteran His Life Back

Описание: For years, Marine Corps veteran Brian Chesmore carried the invisible weight of trauma — PTSD, anxiety, nightmares, and the lasting impact of being a first responder during the USS Cole bombing.
After the loss of his first dog, Brian reached a breaking point. What followed was a journey many veterans know all too well — learning how to ask for help, searching for hope, and wondering if life could ever feel normal again.

That’s when Brian discovered Canine Support Teams (CST).

Through CST, Brian was paired with Champ, a highly trained service dog who instantly understood what Brian needed — emotionally and physically. From sensing anxiety and providing grounding support, to helping with daily tasks and restoring confidence, Champ became more than a service dog. He became a lifeline.

In this heartfelt interview, Brian shares:
His service in the Marine Corps and experiences as a first responder
The silent struggles of PTSD and life after combat
The moment he met Champ and felt an immediate bond
How a service dog helped him return to the outdoors, to public life, and to his family
A message of hope for fellow veterans who may be struggling

Canine Support Teams didn’t just give Brian a dog; they gave him his life back.

If you or someone you love is a veteran struggling with invisible wounds, this story is for you.

👉 Learn more or support Canine Support Teams: https://caninesupportteams.org
👉 Help provide service dogs to veterans and individuals with disabilities
👉 Share this story to help spread hope
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