Chelsea is a dog trainer of thirteen years with many different backgrounds, including tracking, nosework, obedience, service dogs, and behavior modification. Chelsea is happily married to her wonderful husband, Tyler and they have two beautiful children together, Easton (4) and Ella (7). They currently have a dog pack of six personal dogs, a cat named Howard, a bunny rabbit and a Holstein show heifer named Lundy.

The story that changed it all: I watched as the drained and defeated man before me began to light up.  His eyes brightened as he gestured weakly for us to sit beside him. It was then that Terrapin knew his job. He laid his golden head upon the bed and quietly sat allowing my father to stroke between his ears and feel the warmth that radiated from his body. If a moment passed and pats started to subside, Terrapin would gently nudge the side of his arm and a soft smile would come across Dad’s face. It was hard for him to speak, but I knew this is what he needed. A break from depressing medical conversations and an escape from all the wires that were now trying to provide life saving support.

I gestured Terrapin on to the bed where he stayed, placing himself extremely carefully next to Dad. They both took deep breaths, and at that moment it was as if Terrapin told him, “give it all to me, surrender your pain – I’ll hold it for you.”

It was one of those defining moments. A pivotal point in a person’s life that gives you purpose and direction. I already knew the power of the dog in my own World, but to be able to bring the same comfort and joy to others in need…that is a true gift.