Tulip Graduates!
On November 21st, 2022, a little yellow bundle of fur was born at the Israel Guide Dog Center and she was named Tulip. We didn’t know at the time, but certainly hoped that Tulip would grow, thrive, and change someone’s life. Tulip was an extraordinary dog from the moment she was placed with a puppy raiser. She learned basic commands easily, she ignored distractions, she interacted with so many people in lots of places. When she came back to the Center, it was clear that she would thrive as a PTSD Service Dog for an IDF Veteran. This fall, Tulip was partnered with Yaron.
Yaron, a married father and grandfather in his early 60s and lives in a village near Jerusalem. Before earning a certificate in engineering, he was a medic in the Israeli army. Being a soldier is in Yaron’s DNA—his father was a fighter in Israel’s War of Independence in 1948, Yaron fought in the 1st Lebanon war in 1982, and now his sons are fighting in Israel’s current war.
For years, Yaron has suffered from the effects of PTSD including anxiety, daily panic attacks, depression, night terrors, and terrible stomach aches. Because he was embarrassed to admit his struggles, his marriage suffered. Eventually, his wife convinced him to go to couples therapy. That’s when the therapist mentioned the words Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suggested Yaron seek help from the Ministry of Defense. After taking this step, he was connected to the Israel Guide Dog Center and partnered with Tulip.
Yaron say “Most importantly, Tulip is able to help me cope with my stress better and because of her my marriage has become stronger.”
Congrats Yaron and Tulip on your new journey together!
