After a year of searching for a service dog, my family and I finally found Rolling Meadows. At first, we thought it was too good to be true. Every program we had encountered had waiting lists of 2-3 years to receive a service dog. Besides, the majority of these programs did not service people with PTSD who were not veterans.

When we contacted Barbara, I requested a medium-sized female dog. It just so happened that she already had a rough collie, Laila, in her program who had nearly finished her training and fit my needs. More than specific tasks, I needed a dog to accompany me everywhere. The severity of my PTSD made it difficult for me to be outside in the world alone, and I wanted more independence. Laila was task-trained in deep pressure therapy and to lay against me while I slept, not leaving the bed during the night.

Laila has allowed me to live a more independent and joyful life. She goes with me everywhere, and people are always shocked at how well-mannered she is. She has traveled internationally to Paris with me, attended college, helped me through medical treatements, spent summers exploring Manhattan, and gone on many road trips.

I am completely in love with Laila and I am so grateful to Barbara and Rolling Meadows for giving me a dog that changed my life. Laila is perfect for my personality and lifestyle. My favorite thing about her is how much she loves cuddling. After a few months of having her, she even naturally began waking me up during nightmares. My family and friends joke that I move an inch and her eyes are on me, watching. There is nothing else like the feeling of having a dog completely devoted to you.