Wounded Paw Project

Hi, I’m Daisy “Rainbow” Hernandez, a rescue from a shelter to help fill the void in the lives of my human's children. Their father was often away for months, deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other foreign locations. When he returned in late 2008, something differed from his previous deployments. He was in constant pain and could barely get out of bed. The doctors kept prescribing him pills, which he took to remain on active duty while hiding both his physical and invisible wounds. I knew I had to help him to save him from himself.

On March 26, 2008, he was deployed again to Baghdad, Iraq. His training and creed of “Service before Self” were tested. His unit came under heavy indirect rocket and mortar fire, resulting in many casualties. A soldier and he rushed to grab and pull fellow soldiers into a makeshift concrete bunker. To prevent further deaths, they used their bodies to seal the openings and protect those inside, making peace with the possibility that they might not survive. Fortunately, for me, both made it out and were awarded the Purple Heart for their actions. However, physical and invisible wounds would surface years later with serious consequences.

At that time, opioids were the standard treatment, but they proved ineffective, especially for the pain we experienced internally. Many soldiers turned to alcohol for comfort, which became a destructive force and a leading cause of severe consequences. While no doctor, clinician, family member, friend, or military service could help him. I, Daisy, a rescue pit/lab mix, became his service, therapy, and emotional support dog. I understood his hidden pain without judgment, disapproval, or reminders of war.

As his wounds began to heal, we formed the Wounded Paw Project, which offers rescue animals from shelters a second “tail” at life as support dogs of any kind.