K9 Battle Buddies

About This Event

Directed and produced by Academy Award nominee Josh Aronson, TO BE OF SERVICE explores the remarkable life changes resulting from the introduction of trained service dogs in to the lives of military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many veterans’ experience of returning home is wrought with depression and a wrenching disconnect from the world they once knew. Family, old friends and jobs seem foreign and the newly returned men and women struggle to function and return to a normal civilian life. Often the meds and therapy provided by the VA hasn’t helped these veterans imprisoned by the wounds of trauma, and they suffer trying to handle even the most mundane of daily tasks. Then, for the lucky ones who are paired with a service dog, the unconditional love and support offered by these highly trained canines become the bedrock for them to re-engage with the outside world and to learn to feel again. In addition to providing constant companionship, these dogs help veterans navigate their fears. They help them sleep without night terrors, they support them as they face their daily challenges, and, over time, they restore their ability to feel safe, to be independent, to trust and to love again.

The film and trailer feature an original song by Grammy Award-Winning artist Jon Bon Jovi.