Chelsea + Thistle

Chelsea proudly served more than five years in the U.S. Navy, including a nine-month deployment to Iraq. When she returned home, she carried invisible wounds that made everyday life feel overwhelming. Living with post-traumatic stress, severe anxiety, and panic attacks, she often found it difficult to be in public, build new relationships, or enjoy the independence she longed to regain.

Committed to her healing, Chelsea sought support through therapy and the VA’s Paws for Patriots program, where she discovered how a psychiatric service dog could become another invaluable tool in her recovery. She wasn’t looking for a cure. She was looking for a partner who could help her navigate life’s most difficult moments.

That partner was Thistle.

Rescued by our training team from our friends at Labs and More, Thistle’s journey was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Rennie Gabriel and Three Dog Bakery Encino. Together, Chelsea and Thistle embarked on months of training, building a partnership rooted in trust, patience, and unwavering teamwork.

In 2021, Chelsea and Thistle officially graduated from the Psychiatric Service Dog Program, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Since then, the transformation has been remarkable. With Thistle by her side, Chelsea has gained confidence, increased her independence, and found greater comfort navigating public spaces and everyday life. The bond they share has given her the reassurance to continue moving forward, one step at a time.

Today, Chelsea is thriving. She has continued her education in social sciences and psychology, channeling her experiences into a future focused on understanding and helping others. Her journey is a powerful reminder that healing is not about forgetting the past, but about building a future where hope outweighs fear.

Chelsea and Thistle’s story is one of resilience, second chances, and the extraordinary bond between a veteran and a rescued dog. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished together and grateful to the supporters who helped make their partnership possible.

Together, Chelsea and Thistle embody Shelter to Soldier’s mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time.