"My dog senses when my anxiety is high and gently nudges me when I'm about to
have a flashback. He brings me back every time." Iraq Veteran suffering from
PTSD
In the book
EVEN HEROES CRY, I wanted to bring across a hero that is not
perfect, but I didn't plan for him to become so broken. I knew he was going to
be a war veteran and intended for him to be someone who suffered from PTSD. I
didn't know the path this would lead us both down. Whoa were my eyes opened.
I found a study that frightened me and let me to find information on
organizations that help veterans with PTSD.
Sadly, twenty-two war veterans commit suicide each day. Foundations such as
Pets-For-Vets are unsung heroes that pair specially trained animals with
veterans. In the process they save lives two lives. The animals they train as
companions are acquired from shelters. The unconditional love they offer as well
as training help veterans not medication or counseling can.
Although in my book, my hero does not acquire a dog, I did write a small dog
into the story and decided to donate a percentage of the books earnings to
Pets-For-Vets.
Amongst the research I did for PTSD, I decided to talk to two veterans I know
about their relationship with their dogs.
My friend, sheriff's deputy Keith Warner, says his dogs Hunter and Harry help
him relax after twelve hours on patrol. Deputy Warner was a K-9 handler in the
Army who missed his partner after leaving the service. His wife says now that he
has these two furry friends, he's happier and more relaxed.
My son-in-law, Air Force Sergeant Jason McIntosh's dog, Harley greets him with
eager anticipation every day after work. When Jason returned from a yearlong
deployment, he feared the little dog had forgotten him, but upon spotting him at
the airport, Harley got so excited he had trouble breathing and had to be calmed
down. He'd not forgotten Jason one bit.
The relationship between heroes and their dogs are deep. Built on trust, honesty
and something every hero should have, a partner who understands without him
having to explain.
Military vet Adam Ford returns to his hometown a damaged heroโthe war stole his
best friend and left him with severe PTSD. Every day is a challenge as he
struggles to reconstruct his life. When a tempting beauty moves in next door,
Adamโs world is turned upside down and he doesnโt appreciate it.
After losing the love of her life in Iraq, Tesha Washington runs away from
everything sheโs ever known and escapes to a small town where she takes on the
challenges of restoring an old Victorian house. Out of options, she turns to her
reclusive neighbor for help.
As Tesha slowly draws Adam out of the shell that used to be a man, she also
learns there really is such a thing as starting over. Together they discover the
healing power of love and a bond to last a lifetime.
"Sexy and action-packed...I dare you to put it down."
~Liliana Hart, NYT Bestselling Author of the MacKenzie Family Series
About Hildie McQueen
Best selling author
Hildie McQueen makes sure emotion, scenery, and sizzling
romance add up to a compelling story her readers wonโt soon forget. Hildie loves
storytelling and unusual settings, pair that with humor and youโve got an idea
of what her writing is like. Writer of Western Historical, Paranormal and
Contemporary Romance, there is something for readers of every genre.
Her favorite past-times are traveling, shopping and reading. She resides in
beautiful small town Georgia with her super-hero husband Kurt and three unruly
Chihuahuas.
Visit her at her
website.
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