Trent and Tracer's Story

Placement | November 2016

Trent and his service dog Tracer passed their certification and were officially placed together in November of 2016 - on Tracer's second birthday. The two are thriving together. They enjoy hunting, especially Waterfowl. Since receiving Tracer, Trent has begun fostering future service dogs with Retrieving Freedom with hopes to help change another person in need's life.

Trent's Story

My name is Sergeant Trent Dirks, Retired. I joined the army as soon as I turned 17. I always dreamed of becoming an Infantryman and serving my country. I was assigned to C. Co. 1-133 IN. We were activated in 2010 for a deployment to Afghanistan. We operated COP Kalagush in northeast Afghanistan. Many unforgettable things happened in that year.

Upon my return home, things were much different and more difficult. I had a one year old son that I had no idea how to care for, my body hurt, my mind was tired, I was sleeping less, and having more nightmares. I was always on high alert and panic attacks became more frequent. After a few months of this progressively getting worse, my now wife talked me into seeking help where I was diagnosed with PTSD.

It had been a daily uphill battle since my diagnosis, and it only seemed to continue getting worse. I had two friends I was deployed with commit suicide in after we got home. That’s two buddies who were added to the statistic of 22+ veterans who commit suicide every day. I want to be there for my wife and my son and be a part of their lives. I struggled with depression and PTSD so bad that I contemplated suicide daily and had a severe alcohol abuse problem. It was severe enough that I decided my last option was to stop in at Retrieving Freedom in Waverly, Iowa to see if a service dog could benefit me. I applied for a service dog, and Tracer and I have been together since December of 2015.

It's sad to say even my family wasn't enough for me to feel like I had a fulfilling, purposeful life. I felt like I was a burden and they were better off without me. I have a wife and 7 year old son, Bently. Until recently, I didn't have a big role in Bently's life. I'm trying hard to change that now. 

In August 2017, Tracer accompanied me at the veterans hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota. We spent an intense four months getting help for my alcohol dependence and PTSD. My service dog has given me the confidence to go to public places again and help keep my mind from thinking of negative things all the time. I have also noticed having a service dog with me all the time has helped boost my spirits and return happiness into my life again. I really appreciate this opportunity that RFI has given me. Tracer and I are best buds.

Tracer's Journey

Tracer came to Retrieving Freedom from Kerrybrook Labradors in Ohio. He was fostered by the Johnson family. When he was 10 months old, Tracer began going to school in Mrs. C.'s 4th grade classroom. Throughout the school year, Tracer provided comfort to students and a sense of motivation to participate in class more, study harder, and to be patient and kind.