SGT Mike Geib is a Gulf War Veteran who was medically discharged from the United States Army in 1994. After years of experiencing a multitude of medically unexplained symptoms including numbness in his legs and feet, Mike participated in a “Gulf War Study” where it was confirmed that he had been exposed to Sarin Gas during the war.
“What has Team Foster done for me? It’s the contact, the invitations, the constant ‘how are you doing, do you need anything?’ They’re there for us.”
-SGT Mike Geib
Mike struggled with PTSD, depression, addiction to prescription opioids and, alcoholism until 2015 when he made the commitment to get clean. It was around this time that Mike met Team Foster and his four-legged best friend, SSD Cookie Dough. Team Foster funded Cookie Dough’s training to become a service dog through their partners at Susquehanna Service Dogs. SSD Cookie Dough quickly became the motivation and inspiration that Mike needed to stay clean and lead a healthier lifestyle. Because of SSD Cookie Dough, Mike now has the confidence to leave his house and stay active, something that he had struggled with before. She is literally his right hand wo(man) as Mike lost his right thumb during his military service. SSD Cookie Dough has learned to open doors, pick items up off the ground, and sense when Mike’s blood sugar is getting low, along with many other tasks. She has made a world of difference for Mike.
