Unlocking Healing Bonds: The RedFern Mission of Veteran's Companion ESA Dogs

In life, unexpected challenges can hit us hard, leaving us reeling and searching for stability. For me, this journey has been defined by financial struggles and emotional turmoil. Yet, amidst the chaos, one thing has remained constant: my unwavering desire for companionship and love, embodied in my dream pup, Angel.

My financial situation has been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. Relying solely on my Army Pension and VA Disability Pay, I found myself struggling to make ends meet after a series of life-altering events, including retirement, divorce, and battling mental health issues like depression. The one thing I refused to let go of was my home – a sanctuary on the shores of the Chippewa River/Lake Wissota. But holding onto it came at a steep price, both financially and emotionally.

As I grappled with mounting debt and dwindling savings, I reached a breaking point. Overwhelmed by anxiety and depression, I realized I needed a lifeline. With the help of my brother, I meticulously crafted a budget, hoping to find a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. And hope did come in the form of a home equity line of credit, which allowed me to consolidate my debts and start anew.

Since then, I've embraced a simpler, more frugal lifestyle, learning to live within my means. Each month, I diligently allocate my income towards paying off debts and maintaining my home, inching closer to financial freedom with every payment made. It's not always easy, but it's a journey worth taking.

Amidst my financial struggles, one beacon of light has shone brightly – the prospect of bringing Angel into my life. She represents more than just a pet; she's a source of unconditional love and companionship, a constant presence in a world full of uncertainties. With the help of the Red Fern Scholarship, I hope to make this dream a reality sooner rather than later.

Angel isn't just a puppy; she's a promise of brighter days ahead. Together, we'll explore the beauty of nature, bask in the warmth of each other's company, and weather life's storms as a team. With her by my side, I know that no challenge is too great, no obstacle too daunting.

My vision for Angel extends far beyond mere companionship; she'll be my confidante, my partner-in-crime, and my most cherished friend. From lazy days by the fireplace to adventures on the open water, we'll create memories that last a lifetime.

In Angel, I see hope, love, and the promise of a better tomorrow. With her by my side, I know that no matter what life throws my way, I'll always have a reason to smile. And for that, I'll be forever grateful.

So, as I continue on this journey towards financial stability and emotional fulfillment, I hold onto the dream of welcoming Angel into my home with open arms. With a little help from the Red Fern Scholarship, I know that dream will soon become a reality, bringing joy, love, and endless tail wags into my life.

My dream pup is an adorable, sweet, affectionate little girl that I will name "Angel." She will be my constant companion and best friend, and the very best thing in my life, and the best part of every day in my life. She will be gentle, sweet, and smart. And she will love to cuddle with me, on the couch, on my lap, and well sleep together in my big king-sized bed every night. I live in the woods on a lake/river, and she will LOVE the water and love going on boat rides and pontoon cruises with me. She might even like going for jet ski rides- I'll certainly offer. She will also love to lounge with me outside, on either the back deck or the front porch, or in a hammock strung out in front of the garden shed or somewhere in the yard. We'll relax and have snacks and good music and enjoy all the birds and wildlife in the yard together. She can hang out with me when I am doing yard work, and she may even offer to help widen or deepen a hole that I am digging to plant new evergreen or fruit trees. We'll go on several walks a day, either in the yard, or in the cul de sac or down the river road. We'll hit Wissota State Park together, a lot. Shell by my passenger princess on many roundtrip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or the North Shore of Lake Superior. We will watch a lot sunsets together over the far bank of the river, often off the dark or out in the pontoon, and sometimes hanging in a hammock in the back yard. In the cooler months, we'll cuddle together in my rocking chair in front of a roaring fire, we'll go on hikes across the frozen river to the ice curtains on the far bank, and maybe do some ice fishing and snowmobiling together. My mom and brother will love her to pieces and spoil her with affection and attention, and my mom's dog "Annie" and Angel will be very good buddies. Angel will be the recipient of all the love that I have in my heart that I have nobody to else to give it to. I know I will have her unconditional love, and every single day I want to be able to say that I have earned that, and I deserve it. Each day I will strive to be the person my Angel thinks I am. She will be my number one priority in life. And I know that her calm, reserved, gentle nature as well as her presence and companionship will be a great comfort and peace for me when I am worried or sad or anxious. I know she would do anything for me, and I would likewise do anything for her.

Together, Angel and I will embark on a new chapter filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. And for that, I couldn't be more excited. After all, sometimes, the greatest treasures come in the smallest packages – and Angel is proof of that.


Red Fern MissionJames StokesVeterans, Scholarship