A disabled Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient injured in combat has found a kindred spirit in a golden retriever rescued from a bad breeding situation. Despite being injured and dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, Sgt. Russell Anderson says his life has changed for the better since being connected with Finley, a male companion dog that will help him with his everyday needs. The two were matched together by Paws of War, a Nesconset-based nonprofit that links veterans and first responders who suffer with emotional and physical disabilities with dogs and cats for assistance and companionship.
Anderson, 31, a Smithtown native now residing in Port Jefferson, said he initially aspired to be a musician while growing up. However, Anderson, the middle child of three siblings, decided to go into the military at age 17, following in the footsteps of his uncle Wayne Anderson, who served in the U. Army, and his late grandfather Ronald Anderson, a member of the U. Anderson served two tours of duty, first deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan starting in July as a lance corporal and infantry mortar man squad leader.
However, only months into his tour of duty, his life changed forever. On Nov. The blast launched Anderson several feet in the air and left pieces of shrapnel in his legs, arms and stomach. All but two in his patrol unit were killed. Anderson spent many months recovering from his injuries before returning to duty in , where he was stationed off the coast of Syria.
Since returning home, however, Anderson struggles with PTSD, back and knee injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, among other issues. After he and his girlfriend, Amanda Skelly, talked to a veteran about Paws of War, Anderson met with the nonprofit and they connected him with Finley three months ago. Described by Anderson and nonprofit officials as a happy, energetic, 9-month-old dog, Finley was rescued in Alabama from an illegal pet breeding operation.
Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War, said dogs like Finley are vital tools in helping veterans struggling with anxiety and other issues. Sponsored by Searingtown nonprofit The Unsung Siblings Foundation, Finley is undergoing training to become a certified service dog, learning to help Anderson with tasks such as staying active and waking him up if he experiences nightmares or night terrors.
