Local service dogs headed to homes of veterans with PTSD

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Seven of our nation’s veterans are about to get a new best friend, thanks to a local organization Northwest Battle Buddies. Before the shops open up, among the mall walkers, you may sometimes catch dog walkers at the Vancouver Mall. But they are not any ordinary canines. They are highly trained, specialized service dogs for people like Brian Williams. “She’s my best friend,” Williams said, looking down at his golden retriever named Reveille. She is named for the morning bugle call, and she has changed Williams’ life. The Army veteran served eight years and spent 15 months in Iraq from 2004 to 2005.