From Desert Storm to playing fetch with Storm

John Mulvey, an Oceanside resident and decorated Navy veteran, has a new leash on life after receiving his new service dog Storm, a rescue English Golden Cream Retriever who is changing his life by helping him transition back into civilian life.

Mulvey served a total of 36 years from 1978 to 2016 in tours in the Cold War, Gulf War and Iraq War where he fought during operations such as Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

As a result of his decades of heroic service, Mulvey developed post-traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury, like many other veterans. T

he Unsung Siblings Foundation, which distributes funding to individuals or non-profits to ensure that unsung heroes get opportunities partnered with Paws of War to place Mulvey with Storm. Paws of War is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides assistance and a wide range of programs to active, retired and disabled military members.  

“Before receiving Storm from Paws of War, I had trouble leaving my house and accomplishing everyday tasks such as going to the store,” Mulvey said, “Paws of War and their trainers have saved my life by pairing me with this wonderful dog. With Storm, I have comfortably started to reintegrate back into society. Storm is with me everywhere all day long. She helps me to feel comfortable enough to go out freely and live my life.”

One of Paws of War’s programs includes pairing rescued animals with these heroes and training them to become service animals. A service animal offers those suffering from PTSD and mental health challenges a new outlook on life, enhances their quality of life and sets up responsibilities that make daily activities easier to accomplish. 

Through Paws of War’s training program, Mulvey and Storm engage in weekly training sessions in public spaces such as grocery stores and larger retail outlets. Storm is learning to read Mulvey’s emotions and support him when he is feeling overwhelmed in large crowds and public spaces.

“We have veterans come in on a weekly basis that are faced with PTSD, depression and other mental health illnesses,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War.

“When we place our veterans and first responders with rescued animals, they are not only changing their life, it is also changing the lives of the family members and friends around them. These service and companion animals are more than just pets. For veterans like John Mulvey, these service animals become permanent members of their family,” he said.

“Paws of War is unique where we will provide special training for services animals to fit a veteran’s or first responders specific needs so they be independent and manage emotional and physical effects of war and traumatic events. The bond that is created between the veteran and their service animal is immeasurable,” added Misseri.  

Dan Ryan, President of The Unsung Siblings Foundation, said being able to provide veterans life-changing funding is what giving back is all about. “The Unsung Siblings Foundation will continue its partnership with Paws of War to further their mission and enhance the lives of our heroes,” he said.

As Mulvey and his companion dog Storm approach their one-year anniversary, Paws of War is planning on hosting a special celebration, to not only celebrate the milestone achievement, but to thank Mulvey for his lifelong service in the Navy serving the country.