Veteran’s Service Dog Refused To Let Him Sleep, Moments Later, He Realized Why
After years of living with PTSD, retired U.S. Marine and Army veteran Hank Ford finally found comfort and companionship in his service dog, Tommy. But earlier this year, that bond turned lifesaving. One February night, Tommy’s frantic pawing and barking jolted Ford awake, only it wasn’t the dog who needed help. (Scroll Down to Watch the Video)
The loyal pup refused to leave his side, nudging his chest until Ford realized he was the one in trouble. His heart was racing, his blood pressure plummeting, and thanks to Tommy’s instincts, he made it to the hospital in time.
The Night Tommy Became a True Hero
Late one night, Ford awoke to his usually calm dog acting frantically at his side, according to WCNC News. “It was like he was panicking,” Ford recalls. Thinking Tommy needed to go outside, he opened the door, but the Lab wouldn’t budge. Instead, he stayed glued to Ford, jumping up to nudge his chest again and again.
That’s when Ford realized something was wrong, not with Tommy, but with himself. His heart was racing, his chest fluttering, and his blood pressure had dropped dangerously low.
He rushed to the hospital, where doctors told him he was experiencing a severe AFib episode, one that could’ve caused a massive stroke if Tommy hadn’t woken him. The amazing part? Tommy wasn’t even trained to detect heart issues.
After recovering, Ford immediately called Bernard to share how the Lab saved his life. “He’s my hero,” he stated. Bernard couldn’t agree more. She hopes Ford and Tommy’s story encourages other veterans to consider a service dog, especially those who quietly struggle with PTSD and don’t believe they’re “worthy” of the help.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Bond
For years, Ford had shared his life with a pack of hunting dogs, so he decided to wait until they passed before welcoming a service animal into his home. When the time finally felt right, he reached out to Dogs Inc., a Palmetto, Florida–based nonprofit that trains and places service dogs with people across the country.
After a phone interview and a series of online classes, Ford met Amy Bernard, the organization’s service dog program manager, who traveled to his home in Fort Lupton, Colorado, to better understand his needs.
Then, in September 2023, came the perfect match: a gentle Labrador Retriever named Tommy. When Amy introduced the two, Ford felt an instant connection. They began training together, which is when their bond deepened. “I tell people that Tommy was training me. He knew what to do,” Ford says.
During a six-day training session, Amy Bernard worked closely with Ford and Tommy, guiding them through situations that once triggered Ford’s PTSD. Together, they visited places he had long avoided, learning how to rely on each other for comfort and courage. What started as cautious steps soon turned into a deep bond built on trust.
“They were an awesome match,” Bernard recalls. “They just kind of fell in together really nicely, bonded really quickly, and it was a great placement.”
When the training ended and Amy headed home, Ford and Tommy kept practicing on their own. For the first 90 days, they were rarely apart, staying leashed together except when Ford was cooking or showering. Each day strengthened their connection, transforming them from strangers into inseparable partners.
