TOKA'S FRIENDS
Service dogs for military veterans
Ian and Lou
In March of 2021, Lou (named in honor of Capt. Thomas J Hudner - more info below) began his mission as a service dog for Ian, a 27 year veteran of the Army National Guard. Ian served both Active Duty Army and Army Reserves as an Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer, finishing his career with a 3 year deployment to Iraq. Ian was introduced to Lou in January of 2020 and a bond was quickly formed. Lou achieved all of his service dog certifications in March of 2021.
"Upon his return from Iraq, Ian’s life changed drastically. He could not hold a job and suffered from Depression, Anxiety and PTSD. After many years of suffering we connected with Toka’s Friends and Clear Path for Veterans of New England. Being teamed with Lou was the start to an amazing transformation for Ian. With Lou by his side Ian has become a different man. Lou is highly trained to pick up on and alleviate Ian’s anxiety resulting in a significant improvement in his depression and anxiety. As Ian’s wife and caregiver, my worries and concerns about Ian’s safety and well-being are basically gone. Lou has had a major impact on Ian, myself and our entire family."-Trish, (Ian's wife)
In Honor of Capt. Thomas J. Hudner
Thomas Jerome Hudner Jr. was a United States Navy officer and naval aviator. He rose to the rank of captain, and received the Medal of Honor for his actions in trying to save the life of his wingman, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War. The uncle of Toka's Friends co-founder, Kate Hudner Howd, Thomas Hudner earned the nickname "Lou" while a high school student at Phillips Andover Academy.
For more information on Capt. Thomas J. Hudner, click the links below:
https://www.valortrail.org/stories/thomas-j-hudner-jr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKHh9vnzyUo