CaringWorks Client receives emotional support from Ruckus, the boxer pup!

Matthew and Ruckus - RISE VA program

Matthew Brady is a participant in the RISE VA permanent supportive housing program. Matt has always had a great love for animals and his VA mental health team recommended that he obtain an emotional support animal to help with his ongoing treatment. After the appropriate paperwork was completed, CaringWorks approved his request to receive an emotional support pet and Matt undertook his search.

Through a close military friend, Matt was connected with Hank and Eli’s, an organization in Corpus Christi, Texas that works specifically with veterans to find dogs that are a good fit. The dogs are former service dogs or military service dogs. Matt immediately fell in love with Ruckus, a 5-month-old boxer. Today, Matt and Ruckus are currently enjoying life together in Stone Mountain as participants in the CaringWorks RISE VA program. Hank and Eli’s will provide follow up assistance, veterinary check-ups, and any emergency care if needed.

Matt’s story is a familiar one with many veterans. He grew up in Carrollton, GA and joined the military after high school. As a U.S. Army paratrooper, Matt was involved in U.S. military operations in both Grenada and Panama. He served a total of 20 years in the National Guard, including his active duty status. While in the Army National Guard, Matt attended the University of West GA where he received a B.A. and his M.A. in Psychology.

Matt worked as a licensed substance abuse counselor for many years. During this time, he began to experience severe symptoms of depression and anxiety and was diagnosed with PTSD as the underlying cause. His diagnosis of PTSD was the result of both military combat experiences and childhood trauma.

In 2017, Matt moved back to Atlanta and continued to experience severe mental health issues. Eventually, the illness was too much and he became homeless. Matt was treated at the Atlanta VA Medical Center and entered into their domiciliary program. In 2019, we welcomed him into the RISE VA permanent supportive housing program.

Since Matt has been in the RISE VA program he has reconnected with many old friends and made new ones which offer him a dependable and caring support network. He has also become active in his faith once again and attends an Atlanta chapter of the LDS church. We are so happy to help Matt connect with Ruckus to obtain the support he needs for the next chapter of his journey.