How Service Dogs Save Lives
There are many types of service dogs who perform unique and specific assistance to the human with whom they share a life. Lee Atherton is the founder of Phoenix Rising, a community nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with PTSD and other mental health disabilities to access the life-saving support of a service dog. In this episode, she talks about her two service dogs, Shadow and Phoenix, and how they have transformed her life. These dogs were the anchor in her storm and allowed her to remerge from family trauma. Lee is passionate about helping others gain access to the right service dog and reminds us that even from the deepest pain, new strength can emerge, that others, too, can rise from the ashes toward healing and wholeness. For more information, and how you can support, or tell your story of your service dog, please visit her website.
Listen to Episode #86 Now:
BIO:
The heart behind Phoenix Rising belongs to Lee Atherton, an author, pastor, and advocate for those battling invisible wounds. Inspired by mentors like Cheri Merz and Charmain Hammond, and motivated by a deep personal calling, Lee’s journey with Phoenix Rising is just beginning.
As a coach, speaker, and international best-selling author, Lee brings a unique perspective to the world of service dog advocacy, having experienced firsthand the life-saving power of the human-canine connection.
Lee’s story is one of profound transformation and resilience. After experiencing the death of her brother and devastating trauma that led to PTSD, Lee found herself unable to work for two years, navigating a world of shame, fear, anxiety, night terrors, and depression.
It was during this dark period that Shadow became her PTSD service dog, helping her navigate back to life and purpose. Shadow has not only been her strength when she faltered, but he has also been a steady presence for countless first responders, victims of tragedy, and those facing their own dark nights of the soul.
From her chapter in “Voices of the 21st Century,” Lee writes: “Shadow has terminal cancer now. I’m devastated; he’s only five years old. Yet I was fortunate to adopt his successor on March 25, 2023. We named him Phoenix Rising. Out of the ashes of abandonment, I rose! Out of the trauma of abuse, I rose! Out of the ashes, a Phoenix rises!”
Transcript: