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How A Rottweiler Became A Lifeline For A Veteran
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A calm, steady dog can change a life—and Annie Hines shows us how. We sit down at the American Legion Department of Mississippi’s Midwinter Conference to hear how her rottweiler, Zekana, went from eager pup to trained service partner who can anticipate anxiety, apply grounding pressure, and guide Annie through crowded, high-stress spaces. Along the way, we unpack the path that got her there: reputable programs, realistic timelines, and the daily exposure work that cements good behavior beyond the classroom.
Annie’s work as a Veteran Service Officer and Wounded Warrior Project peer leader led her to Healing4Heroes in Peachtree City, Georgia—a program that keeps costs accessible, matches qualified veterans with trained shelter dogs, and focuses on real task work for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disabilities. We clarify the difference between service dogs and emotional support animals, explain what businesses can and can’t ask, and lay out the essentials of vest etiquette so the public knows when not to pet, call, or distract a working dog. Breed myths take a backseat as we focus on training, temperament, and consistent reinforcement.
For veterans considering a service dog, this conversation is a roadmap: who qualifies, how to apply, why exposure matters, and what to expect from the first day of class to months of public practice. Annie’s message is practical and hopeful—resources exist, the bond is real, and the right match can restore independence. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a veteran who could use a partner on four paws, and leave a quick review so others can find the show.
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Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at [email protected]. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to [email protected] or call us at 662-902-6658. Would you consider buying us a cup of coffee? Look on our page and make a donation of your choosing.
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By Jerry AllhandsSend us a text
A calm, steady dog can change a life—and Annie Hines shows us how. We sit down at the American Legion Department of Mississippi’s Midwinter Conference to hear how her rottweiler, Zekana, went from eager pup to trained service partner who can anticipate anxiety, apply grounding pressure, and guide Annie through crowded, high-stress spaces. Along the way, we unpack the path that got her there: reputable programs, realistic timelines, and the daily exposure work that cements good behavior beyond the classroom.
Annie’s work as a Veteran Service Officer and Wounded Warrior Project peer leader led her to Healing4Heroes in Peachtree City, Georgia—a program that keeps costs accessible, matches qualified veterans with trained shelter dogs, and focuses on real task work for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other disabilities. We clarify the difference between service dogs and emotional support animals, explain what businesses can and can’t ask, and lay out the essentials of vest etiquette so the public knows when not to pet, call, or distract a working dog. Breed myths take a backseat as we focus on training, temperament, and consistent reinforcement.
For veterans considering a service dog, this conversation is a roadmap: who qualifies, how to apply, why exposure matters, and what to expect from the first day of class to months of public practice. Annie’s message is practical and hopeful—resources exist, the bond is real, and the right match can restore independence. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a veteran who could use a partner on four paws, and leave a quick review so others can find the show.
Support the show
Don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends and family. Drop us a line today at [email protected]. If you'd like to become a sponsor of our show or advertise with us please send an email to [email protected] or call us at 662-902-6658. Would you consider buying us a cup of coffee? Look on our page and make a donation of your choosing.