Connor Huston enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard at age 19 and served as an operations specialist until he was 25. He oversaw communications that could mean life or death. In a single moment, he could go from routine activity in the command center to hearing the tragic news of someone’s death. Shouldering an immense burden, it was Connor’s job to deliver the devastating news to the families of the deceased.
“I lost bits and pieces of myself, repeatedly talking scared, confused people through what was likely the worst moment of their lives,” Connor says. “It felt like I was playing chess with people’s lives.”
After six years of service, that intensity took its toll. Connor lived in a near-constant state of anxiety. Even something as familiar as being near the water became difficult; a situation hard to avoid in Seattle, surrounded by the Puget Sound. Connor lives with post-traumatic stress disorder from his service, living with a persistent fear that something bad might happen to him or his loved ones.
That began to change during a visit to a friend at Starbucks headquarters in Seattle, where Canine Companions was hosting a “Pups on the Porch” event with future service dogs in training.
Soon after, Connor applied for a service dog through the Canine Companions veteran program. Today, he is matched with Service Dog Malcolm, who provides steady, grounding support. Malcolm helps create space in crowded environments, interrupts anxious behaviors and provides comfort during nightmares.
“I feel like I’m constantly wired, and Malcolm balances me out with his calm, steady presence,” says Connor. “No matter where we are or what we’re doing, he always brings me back to reality.”
