“Until Tuesday”

Until Tuesday is a tail-wagging good read that focuses on the intimate relationship between a veteran and his service dog, Tuesday.  Luis Carlos Montalvan, deemed a “highly decorated captain” in the U.S. Army, served two tours in Iraq.  Post-Iraq, he found himself experiencing a host of mental and physical disabilities.  Montalvan reports that the crippling aftermath of serving in combat caused him to experience debilitating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and chronic physical pain.  He coped unhealthily, often relying on alcohol, isolation, and alienation from others as a means to manage every day life.  Each day was seemingly a constant battle for Montalvan “until Tuesday.”  Tuesday was a beautiful golden retriever trained by East Coast Assistance Dogs.  Through his training, Tuesday learned many cues, including how to open doors, turn on lights, and sense and respond to the onset of anxiety and flashbacks.  For Montalvan, he did just that and more.  Tuesday connected with Montalvan like none other and provided him with the service he needed to more healthily manage both his mental and physical disabilities.  Through Until Tuesday, readers learn about the manifestation of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, alcoholism, depression, and physical ailments in Montalvan’s life.  We learn about the horrific extent of the many issues that our nation’s veterans face upon reintegrating into civilian life, and we gain a first-hand account of the therapeutic and healing power of the human-canine relationship.  With Tuesday’s help, Montalvan developed the confidence and courage to become a nationally recognized advocate for veterans with PTSD.  Until Tuesday provides an avenue for readers to learn about “man and dog,” “war and healing,” “ability and disability,” and “spiritual restoration.”

Montalvan reportedly died by suicide in 2016.  In memoriam of a national hero, thank you for your service.  Thank you, Tuesday, for your gift of life that you provided to your partner in the years leading to his death.

More books by Luis Carlos Montalvan:

Tuesday Tucks Me In (Children’s Book)

Tuesday Takes Me There (Children’s Book)

Tuesday’s Promise