She adopts a dog to feel less alone, then sees her post-traumatic stress attacks become less frequent

In Redding, in northern California (United States), Rachel Hughes adopted Winston, a one-year-old Cavapoo, about 6 months before KRCR's report on him, in order to make him her assistance dog for the post-traumatic stress from which she suffers.

Before the arrival of Winston, Rachael was going through difficult symptoms related to his post-traumatic stress at home and just wanted company. “ I was having a lot of difficult symptoms related to my PTSD at home, so I thought it would be nice to have a friend with me to make me feel less alone “, she explains.

“Just his presence prevented many episodes from getting worse”

Since the Cavapoo puppy (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel / Miniature Poodle cross) lives with her, Rachael says he notices an evolution, both in the frequency of his attacks and in their severity.

“ There's a pretty clear difference in the number of episodes between before he arrived and now. Just his presence (…) prevented many episodes from getting worse. »

A volunteer student

This role, Winston learns it on 2 fronts, between the exercises that his mistress conducts alone with him and sessions with JoBu Dog Companya company specializing in dog training and dog behavior in Redding. On Wednesday September 30, 2026, the duo trained in maneuvers at Lake Redding Park.

Rachel, crouching in the grass, caresses Winston, who walks towards her — © KRCR

Rachael describes a volunteer student, who seems to have grasped what the two of them are building. Some days, when she does not feel up to training with him, the quadruped takes a place near the door, as if to ask if they are going to do their work that day, she says.

“It radically changed my life”

Still young, Winston has about 1 year of training ahead of him. The next step awaits him in November, with obtaining his family obedience title.

Winston on a leash, tail erect, walks alongside his mistress — © KRCR

“ It radically changed my life; if you are willing to put in the effort, it can be very rewarding and useful », concludes Rachael.

Beyond learning obedience, this training aims to make Winston reliable daily support for Rachael. A journey that requires time and investment, but which already seems to be bearing fruit for the owner.