Tara Pipia, a Veteran of the Army National Guard, faced challenges transitioning to civilian life, especially with her PTSD. Traditional therapies like exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy did not help her symptoms. She found hope in the Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members (PAWS) pilot program at VA Palo Alto. The program involves Veterans training service dogs for other Veterans, offering a hands-on experience that Pipia found beneficial. She learned techniques to reinforce positive behavior and became more aware of her emotions. Pipia noted that her state of mind affects the dogs, motivating her to self-regulate her anxiety. The PAWS program provided her with purpose and connection, helping her cope during difficult times. She appreciated the supportive environment created by instructors and fellow Veterans, along with the calming presence of the dogs. Pipia believes that service animals can be a powerful healing tool for Veterans who may not feel comfortable discussing their problems. She advocates for the PAWS program and hopes it will expand to assist more Veterans nationwide.