Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/becca-stephens-bobbi/

After serving in the military for a long period of time, many servicemen have a hard time adjusting back to civilian life.

Becca Stephens was no exception. She served in the U.S. Army for four years, including a stressful tour in Iraq. When it was time to finally come home, she struggled with PTSD and depression.

She began seeing a doctor because she was having nightmares and she noticed a lot of things that had changed within her. That’s when the doctor diagnosed her with PTSD.

Her crippling emotions and PTSD were leading Stephens to experience mental duress. But just when things were feeling bleak, Stephens was accepted into the “K9s for Warriors” program, where she was paired up with a service dog named Bobbi.

Having Bobbi in her life gave her a will to live.

“To know that there is an abled being on guard, it helps so much,” Stephens told Good Morning America.

Bobbi knows to stand at Stephens’ side and looks away from her, reassuring her that she has her back.

“These types of commands that they teach these dogs are the real reason why we are able to get back in public again because a lot of us have been shut-ins for a number of years and to know that our service dog is going to take care of us as we go outside, what more encouragement could you ask for?” she continued.

Stephens and Bobbi have formed a very special bond over the years, and she is so grateful to have Bobbi in her life. She has been able to do so many things in public that she wasn’t able to do before. Bobbi has not only given Stephens a will to live, but also a loving companionship.

Watch their story in the video below:

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog