While dogs are known to be man’s best friend, sometimes they can be the reason for a man to keep on living.
That is the powerful takeaway from the video below.
26-year-old Peter Coukoulis, a Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan, joined the Marines straight out of high school. After serving his country and returning home, he works as an electrician – but he has been suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ever since he returned to civilian life three years ago.
Large crowds and stress-inducing situations caused Peter to isolate himself, even withdrawing from his family.
“In the beginning, it was kind of like he was isolating himself. I mean he would hang out with us but spent a lot of time alone on the back porch,” his mother Dena told USA Today. “I started to notice him withdrawing. Just not socializing, not talking, not sharing and not being able to sleep.”
Another tragedy caused Dena to worry. When Peter was growing up, the family adopted a Beagle name Jackie that quickly became Peter’s childhood companion.
However, upon returning from his service, he learned that Jackie had passed away. Peter experienced a similar loss when a fellow Marine and his IED-sniffing dog died in a sudden explosion.
“It was really very difficult,” Dena said.
That is when Dena decided to surprise Peter with an early Christmas gift on Wednesday, December 7.
“It’s moving,” Peter said as an unwavering smile began to spread across his face.
After Peter unwrapped his gift, he found a tiny beagle puppy scuffling inside a blanketed box. Peter received the puppy surprise to help assist with his PTSD treatments.
In the kitchen of Peter’s home in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, it was love at first sight. His family members surrounding him seemed to disappear as the two shared their first bonding moments and kisses.
Peter himself was unable to contain his emotions. Upon first seeing the small beagle, tears welled his eyes as he wept and held tightly onto the little pup. The two engaged in a heartwarming embrace, and it was surely the start of a beautiful friendship.
“I think that emotion came from him experiencing all the loss, and when he saw that puppy’s face, he saw life,” Dena said.
While receiving a puppy for Christmas may seem like the ideal, coveted gift, it meant something even more for this Marine veteran.
“They’ve been calling her Willa, ’cause she has the will to live,” Peter’s mom Dena told him.
It’s truly lovely to see a thoughtful gesture have a tremendous impact on Peter. In fact, Dena said the little beagle has already had a positive impact on her son.
“The puppy has already changed Peter’s life, it has made him happy after a very difficult three years.”
That is the magic power of man’s best friend.
Cheers to him and the new pup.
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Source: Caters Clips
