Veteran Lee Otto lives in Watertown, Wisconsin. After the VA recommended that he get a service dog to help with his Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), he received Sayge from Sierra Delta, a nonprofit in nearby Madison.
Sierra Delta also provided training, and today, Sayge is equipped to help comfort Otto in different ways. For instance, when he has a nightmare, Sayge will lick Otto’s face and lay on his legs to calm him.
By suppressing Otto’s anxiety and PTS, Sayge has helped the veteran get back out in his community to serve others. Together, the duo advocates for Sierra Delta, letting people know about the special bond between a service dog and its owner.
“I’m #StillServing to make others aware of the love and support a dog can provide veterans,” Otto said.
But their impact stretches beyond the veteran community. Sayge has been named the “service service” dog at Otto’s church, where she brings comfort and joy to its parishioners.