A four-legged mission
ICAN Client Matthew McClelland and his service dog Solomon
As Americans gather to celebrate Independence Day, it’s also a time to recognize the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our country. For Army Veteran Matthew McClelland, that service included 11 years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, with deployments to Kosovo, Bosnia, and Iraq.
Like many Veterans, one of Matthew’s toughest battles began when he returned home.
“My separation from service was similar to most,” he said. “One day I had my brotherhood surrounding me, making me feel normal and supported, and the next I came home to solitude and loneliness.”
As he adjusted back to civilian life, Matthew struggled with increasing PTSD symptoms, including anger, depression, paranoia, and a fear of crowds. Feeling disconnected from those around him, Matthew turned to alcohol to cope. The result was years of struggle, damaged relationships, and a difficult journey toward sobriety and recovery.
“I struggled to be out in public for any length of time. I spent a lot of time on the couch at home while life continued around me,” Matthew explained.
When Matthew found the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN), he was already searching for a rescue dog to train as a psychiatric service dog. After more than a year of meeting dogs that didn’t feel like the right fit, he finally received a call about a rescue dog named Solomon.
Their connection was immediate.
Today, after three years together, Solomon is far more than a companion. He helps Matthew manage anxiety, grounds him during panic attacks, wakes him from nightmares, and even assists him physically following two knee replacements. In public places, Solomon recognizes Matthew’s rising anxiety before he does.
“He has literally dragged me out of a Walmart, leaving a shopping cart of groceries behind, because he knew I was in trouble,” Matthew recalled.
Just as importantly, Solomon has helped Matthew reconnect with the people around him.
“He has allowed me to talk to people about what I’ve experienced,” Matthew said. “I no longer have to keep it locked up inside.”
Solomon has helped Matthew reclaim a life that once felt out of reach. Seven years after achieving sobriety, Matthew has gone from being isolated at home to traveling the country advocating for Veterans in recovery. Last year alone, he traveled more than 20,000 miles, sharing hope with others facing similar struggles.
“Solomon is my battle buddy,” Matthew said. “He is the one I can turn to when I am struggling, and I know he is there to support me and love me unconditionally.”
Stories like Matthew and Solomon’s are the reason behind ICAN’s Salute to Service 5K, presented by Stoops for Troops, taking place on August 1, 2026, in Fort Wayne.
ICAN is proud to offer psychiatric service dogs to qualifying Veterans and waives the placement fee for every Veteran served. Participation in the 5K helps make life-changing partnerships like theirs possible.
