09/18/2026
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Snuffleupagus, aka Snuffy, and his new mom, Meghan, to our RSF Family!
Snuffy, a 4 yr old poodle mix, ended up in a shelter due to no fault of his own, and was rescued by a Rise Above Animal Rescue & Sanctuary. They knew he was special and deserved a special home.
Meghan is a U.S. Army Veteran who served in Afghanistan and is now living w/ Complex PTSD. Her care providers recommended an ESA to help w/ anxiety & stress, so she was hoping to find a dog that would help her with every day life, and also be best buds w/ her 14 yr old son.
Snuffy was just the pup for the job and they are now 3 peas in a pod! They’ve settled in to an amazing new routine full of walks, smiles, cuddles and love and even enjoyed a successful road trip to Vermont and back.
We recently received this update and couldn’t wait to share:
“I have severe PTSD from both my military service and experiences in civilian life, as well as significant anxiety. For many years, these challenges were debilitating. In November 2025, I made the difficult decision to attend a 30-day inpatient treatment program to work through longstanding trauma and find the right balance with my medications. When I returned home, I knew I needed to make meaningful changes to protect the progress I had made. While those changes were necessary, they often left me spending a great deal of time alone, which could be challenging.
My son and I knew we wanted to welcome another dog into our home, but I wanted to ensure it was the right fit. I hoped to find a companion who could not only help fill the void in our family but also provide comfort and support as I continued managing my PTSD and anxiety.
Snuffy has far exceeded every expectation I had. He is an incredible companion. He enjoys watching movies with my son after school, and I am told that The Secret Life of Pets is his favorite. He also helps me maintain a healthy routine, which is very important for my mental well-being, and keeps me active with our daily walks.
More importantly, though, Snuffy seems to sense when I am feeling anxious or stressed. When that happens, he will gently offer me his paw and leave it there until I hold it, almost as if we are holding hands. When we are out in public and I begin to feel tense, he moves right up beside me, quietly letting me know that he is there and that everything is okay.
There are truly no words to describe how comforting and meaningful these simple gestures have been. They have already had a profound impact on both my mental health and my overall quality of life.
While I may have rescued Snuffy through the animal rescue organization, I truly believe that he is the one who rescued me. I am furever grateful for your support and assistance in this process. This connection would not have been possible without you.”
Thank you, Meghan, for your service and for allowing us to be a part of the journey with you!
