When anxiety rises for U.S. Army veteran Meghan, her rescue dog Snuffy places his paw in her hand. The four-year-old poodle mix has become a source of comfort through a match arranged by Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Ronnie Stanley’s foundation.

Meghan served in Afghanistan and lives with complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Her care providers recommended an emotional support animal to help with anxiety and stress. She also wanted a companion for her 14-year-old son.

Snuffy needed a family. Together, they found a new daily routine.

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Snuffy Finds His Forever Home

Snuffy, whose full name is Mr. Snuffleupagus, entered a shelter through no fault of his own. Rise Above Animal Rescue took him into its care and recognized his potential as a companion, according to the Ronnie Stanley Foundation.

Since his adoption, Snuffy has settled into life with Meghan and her son. Their days include walks, cuddles and time together. They even completed a successful road trip to Vermont.

His response to Meghan’s anxiety adds a personal touch to their bond. A paw in her hand offers contact when she needs comfort.

Ronnie Stanley Connects Rescue Dogs With People in Need

Stanley’s mission grew from his own experience with rescue dogs. He adopted Lola from the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter in 2016 and later adopted Rico, the Baltimore Ravens report.

“My life was forever changed for the better when I adopted Lola, Rico and Kaia,” Stanley told ESPN.

The foundation prioritizes veterans, children in need and first responders. It assesses dogs’ personalities, interviews adopters and offers support after placement, according to its adoption process.

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How Dogs Can Support Veterans With PTSD

Snuffy is an emotional support dog. These animals offer companionship, while service dogs receive training to perform specific disability-related tasks, the VA National Center for PTSD explains. Dogs can provide comfort, but they do not replace effective PTSD treatment.

A 2024 study in JAMA Network Open followed 156 military members and veterans with PTSD. After three months, trained service dog partnership was associated with lower PTSD symptom severity, anxiety and depression alongside usual care.

The nonrandomized study concerned trained service dogs, so its findings cannot establish Snuffy’s effect on Meghan’s condition.

For this family, the change is personal. Snuffy has a permanent home, Meghan has another source of support, and her son has a new companion. When anxiety strikes, Snuffy offers his paw.