Catching up with the Canine Companion helping an American veteran

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- As we celebrate Independence Day, we often think about those who fight for our freedom.

Back in 2023, we met one man who did just that, but it wasn't without paying a price. His name is Rob Garlick, a veteran who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. NBC4 first spoke with him as he began to form a bond with his Canine Companions service dog, Fritter.

In 2025, the bond of this veterans team has grown and now Garlick hopes his journey can help others. "I was raised boys don't cry and you know then you join the military and they reinforce that fact," said Garlick.

Two weeks after leaving high school, Garlick went to basic training and joined the army, serving from 2003 to 2008. When he left the service, a new battle was just beginning. More than a decade later he would reach a breaking point. "Late 2021, I had a kind of a mental collapse from stress of a job and PTSD," he said.

That's when he asked for help, which led him to Canine Companions and the dog he said changed his life. "He's really allowed my son and I to go out and enjoy time together which really didn't happen in the past before I had fritter."

Fritter was trained to specifically interrupt Garlick's anxiety, hypervigilance and nightmares. That anxiety can often look like a clenched fist or the tapping of his foot.

"So, they took that information and they started training fritter to watch my feet, to watch my hands," said Garlick. "Then overtime as we bonded, he picked up on the cues without those who specific things happening."

Fritter also helps Garlick navigate stressful environments. "I use Fritter as a barrier to me and other people so when we're walking through a crowd, he'll walk in front of me, and he plows a hole through people for me," he said. "If we're standing in line, they did train him to do what's called behind so he'll sit directly behind me and that keeps people from getting right behind me."

Garlick said his bond with Fritter has grown tremendously over the past two years. He also wants to tell other veterans to not wait to get the help they need.

"Don't do the downward spiral for 15 years like I did. It is not fair to you or your family," said Garlick. "I mean I know it's hard to ask for help. It was probably the hardest think I ever did was break down and ask for help, but in the long run it's better."

Garlick is now very involved with Canine Companions. He serves on the outreach committee and continues to advocate for other veterans.

If you are a veteran and think a service dog may help you — whether that be with PTSD or any disabilities — you can fill out an application on Canine Companions website. As always, Canine Companions provides their service dogs at no cost.