Veteran gives back by training 'Battle Buddies' for those in need.

In the time before and after thanksgiving we can see some extraordinary acts of kindness... But one man who is working year-round to make sure even after his work is over our veterans are still able to experience the good stuff.

There's nothing quite like the bond between a man and his dog, and for Auston Ellis, this bond paved the way for veterans all across Oklahoma City to get therapy dogs, and in some cases has even saved their lives... We are honored to share his story with you, it certainly is the good stuff.

Auston Ellis will tell you when he's training dogs, he's really training people.

“It’s about that relationship and having that communication because if I can’t as a trainer can’t communicate what I need to that person and that individual, then I can’t communicate it their dog,” Ellis said.

As soon as we met him, he took us through an exercise to demonstrate the importance of clear communication, but communication didn't always come easy for Auston.

“I served First Battalion Fifth Marines in the United States Marine Core from 2009-2013,” said Ellis. “I felt like I had to reach out to the VA because I was going down a dark path.”

Auston wanted a job in law enforcement, so he needed a solution that stayed away from medication, but also didn't have the two to three thousand dollars it would cost to get a service dog trained.

So I took my little Dachsund that I had and started training him and fell in love with it,” said Ellis. “From that point on not only was it a love but it fell into a passion and I started taking on the more extreme cases.”

Using his own case to prove the important role a service dog can have in a veteran’s life.

“I suffer from post-traumatic stress and I have hearing aids,” said Ellis “He‘ll actually jump up and start licking my face and it’s just one of those where I know I’m getting nervous so I know to calm down and do some breathing techniques and then let’s get hard-charging.”

Now Auston works with 2 Vets K9 to train service dogs for veterans and those who need them at no cost.

“It's not about the money for me it’s about getting veterans and their families back to a normal society through the use of a service dog,” Ellis said.

And after all the time, money, and hours invested in training, there's only one emotion to show when Auston sees the people he wants to help live a fulfilled life.

“Pride literally brings tears to my eyes,” Ellis said.

Thanks again to Auston for having us out for a training session.

Auston wanted to reiterate, just because a veteran isn't showing any signs, doesn't mean they don't need help.

If there's a veteran in your life that you think could benefit from the help of a service dog, Auston is definitely worth the call.