Monica and Service Dog Biscuit

During the 10 day class designed to train Army veteran Monica and her new service dog Biscuit to work together their bond was permanently sealed. Biscuit has been specifically trained to mitigate the symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Monica is a born leader, so hiding out at home isn’t her style. But the effects of PTSD and a traumatic brain injury turned her into a recluse. Now she’s hopeful that an eager black Goldador named Biscuit will help her open up, get out, and be herself again.

With 24 years in the Army, Monica taught senior leadership school, worked in operations and logistics, and deployed to Panama and the Middle East. After returning home, a car accident and injury exacerbated her PTSD. Her pet dog Lynch became an emotional support animal, but when Lynch’s health began to fail, her therapist encouraged her to get a service dog.

“I feel so empowered with Biscuit,” she shares. “I said, ‘I want to go to a movie!’—and I haven’t been to a movie in so long. I’m hoping to socialize a lot more; I will feel more comfortable now.”