Blake Rashad struggled with anxiety and depression around the age of 7 and his shy personality kept him from meeting new people.

He found a connection with dogs and convincing the neighborhood dog school to hire him, Rashad began his journey with man’s best friend when he was 12.

“Dogs allowed me to communicate with people in a more confident way. I understood dogs and dogs understood me,” he said. “I was amazed with the way I could communicate with dogs, even aggressive dogs.”