Many people are aware of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), usually associating the disorder with serving with the Armed Forces, but my story is a little different. I was an abused foster child my whole childhood and, in my adult life, I struggle with depression and have very bad days. In July, I went to the Humane Society just to look, not really intending on adopting a pet. After a couple of visits with a few dogs, I saw a little guy all by himself in a corner while all the other others were barking or jumping for attention. He reminded me of myself so much! I asked to see his file and read that he had been very abused in the puppy mill he had been rescued from. He did not trust humans and was very depressed. I made the decision to adopt him even after I was told we probably wouldn't be a good fit, seeing as I had wanted a happy dog. I named him Oliver after Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, the orphan no one wanted but made something of himself! Today, Oliver and I run a small animal business, pawprintpopup.com, and we give the profits to those who desperately want a pet but can’t afford the adoption fee. I want others who suffer from PTSD and other mental illnesses to know the love and support that can come from your pet!

Karlos and Oliver (If you’re on Instagram you can follow the adventures of this dapper duo through
their Instagram account @olivergreyson.)