Transformative Journey: Mike's Evolving Leadership with Guardian Angels Service Dog Blade and PNC's Ongoing Support
An estimated 22 U.S. veterans succumb to suicide daily. However, for those partnered with a Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog, the current rate is zero.
Located in Williston, Florida, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a non-profit organization that raises, trains, and donates medical service dogs to veterans, first responders, and civilians with both visible and invisible permanent disabilities. Despite a significant number of veterans awaiting pairing, the majority cannot afford the approximately $25,000 required for these highly specialized service dogs, crucial for addressing issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and mobility challenges.
To alleviate this financial burden, organizations like PNC contribute by sponsoring dogs, enabling more veterans to benefit from the transformative support of a service dog. PNC has actively participated in the family-friendly Community Mutt Strut fundraiser since its initiation in 2016. This Pittsburgh-based event features dog costume contests, vendors related to pets and veterans, auction items, and has raised over $1.5 million, sponsoring 66 dogs for direct impact.
For individuals with disabilities, a medical service dog can be a vital accommodation in a corporate setting. Mike Clark, a business analytics manager on PNC's Audit team, struggled with PTSD and a post-traumatic brain injury for years after transitioning from U.S. Army service to civilian life. With support from PNC, he partnered with Guardian Angels to receive "Super Service Dog" Blade, leading to a complete transformation in Clark's personal and professional life.
In a conversation with PNC General Auditor Stacy Juchno, Mike Clark discusses Blade's impact, the process of transitioning an aging service dog into retirement, and the possibility of another service dog in Clark's future. In sharing his journey, Clark reflects on his military service, the challenges he faced upon returning, and how PNC made it easy for him to disclose and address his disabilities, ultimately facilitating his connection with Guardian Angels and the life-changing partnership with Blade.
Upon our initial encounter, Mike exuded a reserved demeanor, though he was always present. Upon joining the Audit team, he gradually shed his quiet disposition, becoming more outgoing and assuming additional responsibilities. Blade, his companion over the years, played a pivotal role in this transformation, helping to draw him out.
Currently, Mike actively participates in every activity and event, leading discussions with enthusiasm. Witnessing his remarkable evolution over the past few years has been truly phenomenal. He has become a beacon of positivity, lighting up any room he enters.
Reflecting on Blade's imminent 12th birthday in January, Mike acknowledges the natural aging process affecting Blade's abilities. As dogs age, their eyesight diminishes, and their capacity to sit or stay for extended periods decreases. Mike recognizes the need to reciprocate the care Blade has provided for years. Guardian Angels has been instrumental in guiding him through techniques for Blade's transition into retirement. Simple acts like communicating with her daily, informing her about his departure for work, and assuring her that he will return, have been crucial in helping Blade adjust to retirement.
PNC's sponsorship of Blade from the outset is noteworthy, and Mike expresses gratitude for their ongoing support. He mentions the offer from PNC to provide another service dog when the time comes, demonstrating their commitment to his well-being. However, Mike shares that, at this point in his life, he's not certain about welcoming another service dog. The bond with Blade remains strong, and he feels they are both ready to embrace retirement. While appreciating the option for a new service dog in the future, Mike emphasizes the deep connection he still shares with Blade and the importance of transitioning into this new phase together.
Located in Williston, Florida, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a non-profit organization that raises, trains, and donates medical service dogs to veterans, first responders, and civilians with both visible and invisible permanent disabilities. Despite a significant number of veterans awaiting pairing, the majority cannot afford the approximately $25,000 required for these highly specialized service dogs, crucial for addressing issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and mobility challenges.
To alleviate this financial burden, organizations like PNC contribute by sponsoring dogs, enabling more veterans to benefit from the transformative support of a service dog. PNC has actively participated in the family-friendly Community Mutt Strut fundraiser since its initiation in 2016. This Pittsburgh-based event features dog costume contests, vendors related to pets and veterans, auction items, and has raised over $1.5 million, sponsoring 66 dogs for direct impact.
For individuals with disabilities, a medical service dog can be a vital accommodation in a corporate setting. Mike Clark, a business analytics manager on PNC's Audit team, struggled with PTSD and a post-traumatic brain injury for years after transitioning from U.S. Army service to civilian life. With support from PNC, he partnered with Guardian Angels to receive "Super Service Dog" Blade, leading to a complete transformation in Clark's personal and professional life.
In a conversation with PNC General Auditor Stacy Juchno, Mike Clark discusses Blade's impact, the process of transitioning an aging service dog into retirement, and the possibility of another service dog in Clark's future. In sharing his journey, Clark reflects on his military service, the challenges he faced upon returning, and how PNC made it easy for him to disclose and address his disabilities, ultimately facilitating his connection with Guardian Angels and the life-changing partnership with Blade.
Upon our initial encounter, Mike exuded a reserved demeanor, though he was always present. Upon joining the Audit team, he gradually shed his quiet disposition, becoming more outgoing and assuming additional responsibilities. Blade, his companion over the years, played a pivotal role in this transformation, helping to draw him out.
Currently, Mike actively participates in every activity and event, leading discussions with enthusiasm. Witnessing his remarkable evolution over the past few years has been truly phenomenal. He has become a beacon of positivity, lighting up any room he enters.
Reflecting on Blade's imminent 12th birthday in January, Mike acknowledges the natural aging process affecting Blade's abilities. As dogs age, their eyesight diminishes, and their capacity to sit or stay for extended periods decreases. Mike recognizes the need to reciprocate the care Blade has provided for years. Guardian Angels has been instrumental in guiding him through techniques for Blade's transition into retirement. Simple acts like communicating with her daily, informing her about his departure for work, and assuring her that he will return, have been crucial in helping Blade adjust to retirement.
PNC's sponsorship of Blade from the outset is noteworthy, and Mike expresses gratitude for their ongoing support. He mentions the offer from PNC to provide another service dog when the time comes, demonstrating their commitment to his well-being. However, Mike shares that, at this point in his life, he's not certain about welcoming another service dog. The bond with Blade remains strong, and he feels they are both ready to embrace retirement. While appreciating the option for a new service dog in the future, Mike emphasizes the deep connection he still shares with Blade and the importance of transitioning into this new phase together.
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