Ryan & Hazel

U.S. Navy Veteran Ryan once believed life outside the walls of his home was far beyond his reach. He was missing moments with his wife and children as he coped with feelings of anxiety and hyper vigilance. “Before Hazel, the main way I managed my mental health issues was isolation – sometimes even from my own family inside my own home.”

After being partnered with Hazel, a yellow Labrador with a heart of gold, his world opened in a way he never expected. “I have been on multiple trips with Hazel across the nation, we leave the house almost daily, we spend more time with friends and family, my sleep schedule is much better – the list goes on and on.” With leash in hand and a wagging tail by his side, nearly every facet of his life was impacted. “Through the charity of others, Hazel has been able to literally make me whole again.”