To everyone who supported Delta's Journey to Recovery,
Thank you is not nearly enough to express how much I appreciate what you have all done for Delta and I. When I was wounded in Afghanistan my life was changed forever. My injuries have left me with lifelong and debilitating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome T2. I am unable to work, play sport or do many of the things that once bought joy to my life due to daily chronic pain. I also have military PTSD and prior to Delta coming into my life I hardly left the house. There are alot of things outside my four walls that trigger my PTSD. Delta gave me back a life worth living. She keeps me company, fetches my medication and water bottle, prevents nightmares, calms me down when I am about to react, motivates me, helps me deal with stress and is always by my side.
Being chronically ill is very lonely and to be honest there are times when I have thought that the sacrifices I made serving my country have gone unnoticed. The support you have all given, not just by donating, but through your comments has shown me otherwise. I am very grateful.
Delta is doing well but is still in quite alot of pain. She is going out for very short lead walks and while these were supposed to be getting a bit longer we have had to keep them short as she is struggling. She had her first physio session this week and we now have lots of stretches, exercises and massage to do to help her recover. She has a follow up xray on the 1st October which will tell us if the surgery was a success. She may need further surgery to remove the pins and plate once the leg is healed or worst case scenario lose her leg.
I have consulted the charities that have funded and supported Delta in the past (NZRSA, Fallen Heroes Trust and Purple Poppy Trust) and together decided that the funds raised should be used to provide Delta with the very best care now and in the future so that she is able to continue to do her best as my service dog. Any remaining funds will be donated to assist another wounded veteran or first responder to receive a service dog like Delta. While this differs from the original plan of a trust to help others with unexpected vet bills we believe it honours the intent of people who donated to help Delta and those who chose to donate because of her role as a service dog to a wounded New Zealand veteran. I know firsthand what a difference having Delta has made in my life and my hope is that another person who has served their country will also benefit.
Thank you
From Dion and Delta.
