Training Service Dogs to Become Heroes to Those in Need

A volunteer dog trainer shares inspiring stories of how her pups have become heroic service animals to those in need—and offered her healing in the process.

Linda Zelik with Hollis, a Golden Retriever/Labrador mix that graduated from puppy training in February. Courtesy of Linda Zelik

A strange set of circumstances led southern California native Linda Zelik to train service dogs. After tragically losing her beloved 24-year-old son Kevin in an accident, Zelik was in such a deep depression that she did something completely out of character: She saw a psychic medium. She recalled the psychic telling her, “Kevin is sending you a puppy in a strange way and you’re not to say no because it’s for your healing—and he wants credit for it!”

Zelik hoped it was a false prediction, as she thought she wouldn’t be able to raise a puppy in her fragile emotional state. When no puppy magically appeared on her porch, she dismissed the premonition.