SGT Clark is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). He is diagnosed with Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and traumatic brain injury by the U.S. Army and the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Scout was a shelter dog located in SGT Clark's home town and was saved by SGT Clark. Now, Scout is going to repay the favor by saving SGT Clark and his family with a lifetime of unconditional love.

My son, Tristin, and I would visit the local shelter on a weekly basis. All the while, he and I would spend time with each and every one of the pets. I would always tell him that the majority of the animals will never make it beyond those walls, and we could very well be the last to play with them.

On a typical visit, my son and I were walking by the kennels, when we came upon Scout. He was with 2 of his siblings. The others were a solid brown color, so he automatically stuck out. As we walked up to the cage, the other two walked out, and very calmly, Scout approached the entrance, sat down, and canted his head. He seemed to be checking us over as much as we were with him. Right then and there, I feel, Scout chose us.

Taking Scout to his new home was full of excitement, anticipation, as well as apprehension.

Scout is a wonderful addition to our family. He adores my son, and vice-verse. He is such an intuitive pup. I love animals, but I deeply care for Scout. He seems to understand me. I have combat-related injuries, and I feel as though he understands what I am experiencing. There is a story that I feel perfectly complements my statement:

I had a horrible time going to sleep one night, and was tossing and turning constantly. My knee was hurting worse than it ever had before. I had awoken to this comforting feeling. I looked down and Scout was, very gently, licking my knee. I knew at that point, Scout understood me. Ever since that night, Scout will always cuddle on, or next to, my knee.

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