SGM. (R) Robert (Bob) Lighty served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army with multiple overseas tours. He served as the operations Sergeant Major for the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Afghanistan. Only months after this assignment, Bob was redeployed as an embedded trainer for the Afghan National Army. An incident occurred, resulting in Bob being medevacked out of Afghanistan for emergency medical treatment. But soon, Bob returned to Afghanistan to continue his mission.

“Because of SSD TieRod and working with the proper people, I no longer look in the rearview mirror, I look out the front windshield because there’s a lot more to see.” -SGM. (R) Robert Lighty

When he returned from his second tour to Afghanistan, Bob knew something was wrong. He struggled daily with PTSD and depression. Bob recalls times when he would spend his days in darkness, unwilling or unable to get out of his chair. After he retired from the Army, Bob founded Susquehanna Service Dogs and met his lifelong furry friend, SSD TieRod. Bob says, “You don’t choose a service dog; the service dog chooses you. And that’s what TieRod did.”

On the day Bob met his soon-to-be partner, SSD TieRod complied with every order given, and when it was time to go, SSD TieRod positioned himself in between Bob’s legs – claiming his owner and new best friend. SSD TieRod helps Bob with physical tasks, especially after multiple surgeries from service-related injuries. But beyond that, SSD TieRod picks up on non-verbal cues when Bob is having a bad day. He knows when to “check in,” curl up in his lap and give him a little extra love.