The uniform comes off.
But the battle does not always end.
On this episode of The Other Side of Service, I had the honor of sitting down with Army veteran and national advocate Daniel O’Dell. Many people know him from social media alongside his service dog, The Fluffy Poodle. But this conversation goes much deeper than what you see online.
Daniel’s story begins long before the Army. He grew up in adversity, searching for structure, purpose, and belonging. The military gave him that. It gave him identity, brotherhood, and mission.
Like so many veterans, the hardest chapter began after service.
Following serious injuries and chronic pain, Daniel faced a new kind of fight. Transitioning out of the Army brought loss of identity, invisible wounds, and the mental toll that many veterans quietly carry. He speaks openly about PTSD, the emotional weight of feeling lost, and what rock bottom truly looked like.
Then came The Fluffy Poodle.
What some may see as just a dog became something far more powerful. A lifeline. A partner in healing. A steady presence during anxiety, pain, and overwhelming moments. Daniel shares what service dogs really do, the misconceptions people have, and how this bond helped him rebuild his life.
This episode is not just about struggle.
It is about resilience.
It is about advocacy.
It is about turning pain into purpose.
Daniel now uses his voice to fight for better veteran support systems, alternative therapies, and greater awareness for the silent battles many service members face once they return home. He has taken his story to national platforms and even to Washington, pushing for change that could impact thousands of veterans.
This conversation is raw. It is honest. It is necessary.
If you are a veteran navigating transition, a family member trying to understand, or someone who wants to know what life looks like after the uniform comes off, this episode will speak to you.
Because service does not end.
It just changes.
Listen now to Daniel O’Dell and The Fluffy Poodle on The Other Side of Service.
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