Service Dog’s Name: Clara
Service Type: Veteran
Area/Branch: Air Force
“She has a job to do, and she is my rock star, my life saver, my everything.”
She’s by my side. She never leaves. I was paired with Clara in July of 2020. She’s just absolutely amazing and always there for me. I have PTSD from my time in the war. I have anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance. Prior to having her, I was suicidal, I was depressed. I just didn’t want to get up. Because I have her, it forces me to get up, take care of her and take care of myself.
Clara has brought me forward by leaps and bounds. Before Clara, it was very difficult doing anything by myself. But with her, I can get up, go to the grocery store, go to the mall. We’ve been to restaurants, movies, etc. People talk to me about Clara, saying she’s such a pretty dog – and it helps me get comfortable with talking to other people again. If I start to get nervous, she’s right there alerting me and re-focusing my attention. She has a job to do, and she is my rock star, my life saver, my everything. With Clara, I don’t have to be isolated anymore, and she’s the best thing that has happened to me.
In 2024, Clara was selected as the Guardian Angels’ Service Dog Hero Dog of the Year. The award recognizes a dog who goes above and beyond the call of their training and displays extraordinary efforts. Clara was chosen because she used her skills and training to identify a gas leak at Brandi’s place of employment. One day, Clara walked over to a pipe, sniffed it, sat down, and started howling. Brandi realizes Clara was alerting. When the gas company came to inspect, they confirmed there was a leak. Clara’s extraordinary act helped avoid a potentially tragic explosion or fire that would have endangered 33 people!
