Bradley & Ragnar
In January 2021, my wife and I adopted Ragnar from the Humane Society of Tucson. Ragnar was only twelve weeks old. According to the staff at the Humane Society Ragnar was found abandoned in the desert in a cardboard box. Ragnar initially had a severe case of separation anxiety. During this period of time, I accepted a position as an adjunct professor for an online college; this was also the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I did not leave my home much; Ragnar and I became very close. I was encouraged to reach out to Soldier’s Best Friend by two friends that had graduated from the program Robbie Lester and Henning Lorenz. Ragnar and I joined Soldier’s Best Friend in late July of 2024; the first three months were extremely challenging for both Ragnar and me, I started to question whether we would complete the training. However, through the guidance and support of Leslie, Michael, Lynn, and my two amazing instructors Bailey and Terra we were able to improve drastically. Bailey and Terra were able to take our training to the next level. Leslie, Terra, and Bailey have all pointed out at various times how Ragnar and I feed off each other’s emotions. Terra and Bailey have taught me how to recognize Ragnar’s emotions and how to adjust accordingly. Ragnar has learned to read my emotions especially when I am having issues with my PTSD; he will apply pressure and watch my back in public when I am hypervigilant. Ragnar has learned how to wake me up when I am having nightmares by nudging my ribs with his nose and whining. Ragnar can also push the handicap button to open doors for me. Friends and family have commented that Ragnar behaves like a service animal, and that I have improved as a dog handler. The Soldier’s Best Friend program has improved the bond that Ragnar and I have for each other; he is truly one of my best friends. We are both grateful to the Soldier’s Best Friend family.
