The power of dog

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Chapman
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs

Dogs and their role as man’s best friend is more complicated than simply fetching slippers and going for walks.

The effect dogs can have on people can help relieve stress, anxiety and increase mental and physical health, according to studies found on Frontiers in Psychology. Cassie’s Place, a non-profit animal rescue organization in San Angelo, understands the benefit that animals have on individuals, which is why they bring dogs on base for Goodfellow members.

The Canine-Assisted Relief and Emotional Support program, or C.A.R.E.S for short, is a program focused on bringing dogs and service members together in the hopes of unwinding, de-stressing and giving individuals the chance to connect with someone, or something.

“These animals have so much love to give,” said Cassie’s Place liaison Princess Fiel-Murphy. “We know first hand how it is to be around these animals, and how it ultimately puts us in a better mood. Simply just petting dogs or being around them makes us feel connected.”

Cassie’s Place C.A.R.E.S. helps by giving people the chance to connect with the dogs, other individuals, and if they feel comfortable they can speak with the Military & Family Life Counselor Jerrica Escobedo, a member of Cassie’s Place.

“Some people don’t want to talk to the MFLC due to the stigma of talking to a counselor,” said Escobedo. “People that might not have wanted to come to the MFLC may want to see the dogs, then we start to talk to them and we can start to connect with people.”

One benefit of these events is that it doesn’t matter if a person needs help from the MFLC, if they just enjoy playing with dogs, or sharing their stories with other like-minded animal lovers , there is something for everyone.

 Originally starting with four foster dogs, there are plenty of belly rubs and head scratches to go around now.

“Bringing the dogs here for the service members has been amazing to see,” said Escobedo. “Everyone gets a positive vibe from it.”

This program is focused on bringing people and dogs together; and they plan on sticking around.

 “We plan on coming here for as long as our partnership with the 17th Training Wing allows us to,” said Fiel-Murphy. “As long as there’s a need, as long as we continue to make a difference, we will continue to be here.”