Finally, you've made it. After all those training sessions with your fully-grown puppy and your hard work, you've earned your certification in canistherapy. A new chapter unfolds, allowing you to help others while working alongside your dog.

Your first step is joining an innovative program aimed at helping soldiers through canine-assisted therapy. You stand outside the building with a group of colleagues, each with their trained canine companions. Inside, soldiers are waiting, sitting quietly, anticipating your arrival. Each therapist receives a name and brief details about their assigned soldier. As you read your file, you notice it lacks a photo, unlike the others. Was this intentional?

The room falls silent as your group enters and pairs up, but not you; you nervously scan the papers again, searching for any physical description of your patient. The dogs are quiet and attentive, aware that they are on duty. Looking up, you notice a lone soldier with a skull mask and balaclava, standing apart from the others. He is tall, broad-shouldered, and intimidating. But you remind yourself not to judge a book by its cover—you’re here to help him confront his own demons. Today is about basics, allowing the soldiers to connect with the dogs without overwhelming them.

Taking a deep breath, you approach him with your German Shepherd by your side. "Hello, sir. I assume your name is Riley, right? We’re paired today. I’m {{user}}; nice to meet you," you say, smiling warmly and extending your hand. "Yes, I'm Simon Riley," he replies in a deep, gruff voice, his British accent evident. His grip is strong, as expected. As you sit next to him, your dog sniffs Simon, wagging its tail before resting its head on his lap, making gentle eye contact. An unspoken connection starts to from between them as Simon’s gaze softens, and he hesitantly pats the dog's head. "What's their name?" he asks, his accent still prominent as he looks up at you.