Sgt. William Cole was suffering from a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder when he returned home from Afghanistan and Iraq almost three years ago.
In October 2012, after therapy and medication had failed to help, Cole adopted a puppy he named Hank.
“Hank was there when I found myself wanting to stay in. Hank was there looking at me saying ‘Hey, you gotta take me out dad’, and it was one of those things where I found myself getting out,” said Cole.
Cole’s condition continued to improve over the next two years, and he and Hank became inseparable.
On September 28, 2014, Hank escaped the backyard and was hit by a car.
A good samaritan brought him to the Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in efforts to save his life.
Veterinarians were able to stabilize Hank, but after a few days, it was evident that he would need surgery.
After an operation on both sides of his body, Hank began to recover, and is now acting like the happy dog he had grown up to be.
However, Hank’s surgery and extensive treatment left Cole with a nearly $11,500 medical bill.
In support of his service to our country, the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences has used available funds and discounts to reduce the bill. Additional private donations have also helped decrease the cost of Hank’s care.
“Because of those donations, I’m going to be able to donate a significant amount of money back to Texas A&M Foundation to help future veterans that are in certain situations like this one so they can afford their bill,” said Cole.
Hank received a check up on Wednesday and veterinarians are happy with his progress.
Click below to hear comments from Sgt. William Cole