Over a decade ago, my dog provided support to someone in a time of despair; an impact they credited with keeping them from harm. That experience revealed to me the life-saving potential of animals and set me on a new path. I volunteered for several years with an organization that trained highly specialized service dogs for veterans with PTSD. I observed how the human animal bond could restore hope and teach patience and empathy- skills that went on to transform and improve their human relationships. This led me to pursue a master’s degree in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling- focusing on the therapeutic role of animals.
