P2V Photo by Dave Sharpe

Ira says: “Before I met Xavier tonight, I felt nothing. Now, I feel it again! I feel a sense of belonging to this life! Having a dog brings something out of you that I cannot describe.”

Congratulations to U.S. Navy Veteran, Ira Evans and his new puppy, Xavier!

Ira is a retired U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class and a veteran of Operation DESERT STORM. During DESERT STORM, Ira was one of the Navy Photographers responsible for the Damage and Assessment photos during and after the conflict. While on his assignments, Ira was exposed to the casualities of war over and over again. The many tragic events that Ira witnessed, led to his diagnosis of having Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Xavier is a 4-month old Jack Russell Terrier Mix who came to the W.A.R.L. on 07/15/09 with his brothers and sisters. He is Ira’s new best friend and proud to be so!