Beyond Words

In 20, Slater, comforted someone in a time of severe 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 service dogs for veterans with PTSD, where I witnessed how animal bonds restored hope and taught patience and empathy- skills that went on to transform their human relationships too. This led me to pursue a master’s in mental health, focusing on the therapeutic role of animals and alternative therapies.