Finding Peace and a “New Leash on Life”

For Air Force Veteran Allison “Allie” Butts, PTSD Awareness Month isn’t an abstract observance—it’s something she lives every day, and something she now navigates with the steady presence of a 72-pound yellow Labrador Retriever and service dog named Rock.

“I exhale now and feel happy,” she says, almost surprised by how natural that feeling has become. When she reflects on her journey with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), she puts it even more simply: “I like to say WCC gave me a new leash on life.”

Allie first learned about WCC a couple of years ago through a Veterans Service Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, during what she describes as one of the most difficult periods of her life.

Still, something about that visit stayed with her.

“Mar (assistant director of WCC’s MBTR programs) brought Toyomi out to me, and we took a walk down the long driveway to the WCC sign. Something shifted in me in that moment—I didn’t want it to end,” she recalls. “I still have the photo from that day, and when things get hard, I go back to it to ground myself. I knew then my life would never be the same.”

That moment became a turning point. She returned to WCC again—and again—slowly finding herself more engaged each time.

At first, Allie thought she was simply there to heal herself. But through Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR)—WCC’s hands-on, purpose-driven approach that pairs Warriors with service dog training activities designed to help both the Veteran and the dog recover, learn and grow—her perspective began to expand.

She participated in MBTR training sessions, puppy yoga at Platoon 22 and volunteered at the Healing Quarters, all while gradually taking on more hands-on work with WCC service dogs in training.

“I started all of this thinking it was just to help myself,” she says. “But then I realized I’m helping someone else who has been in my position—what we’re doing here can potentially save a life and help reconnect a family.”

As Allie’s involvement grew, so did her confidence. She moved from early socialization work into independent handling, eventually even stepping into moments that pushed her far outside her comfort zone.

One of those moments was speaking publicly for the first time since being in the military—at a WCC Puppy Raiser education event, where Allie shared her MBTR experience.

“I was terrified,” she says. “But everyone has been so kind to me along the way. I haven’t experienced that since I got out of the military.”

A former Air Force Security Forces member, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Instructor and Military Training Instructor with nearly 15 years of service, Allie was medically retired after an epilepsy diagnosis. Her transition to civilian life was marked by instability, recovery and many ups and downs.

“I would like to credit my mother, my family and friends and WCC as major anchors in that progress,” shared Allie. “I’m not embarrassed anymore to say how this has saved my life. It stopped me from committing suicide, it’s stopped me from making poor decisions, helped my get healthy and want to help other Veterans to do the same for themselves and their families and friends.”

Today, Rock is her partner in every sense of the word. The two are preparing to graduate together as part of WCC’s Class of 2026, and their bond continues to deepen through daily work and routine.

“Rock has shown me it is okay to ask for help and to accept myself for who I am on the good days and on the bad,” said Allie. “I am looking forward to so many more wonderful days with him right by my side. I love him so much and I tell him every day.”

Rock—an affectionate, playful pup born on April Fool’s Day—has become a grounding presence for Allie, especially during moments of stress or PTSD triggers like loud or sudden noises, lights and memories.

“He just knows,” she says. “He taps my foot, comes close, he looks me in the eye, snuggles and it calms me down.”

Rock was named in honor of Sergeant William “Bill” Green, Sr., a Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran, retired police officer and Maryland native whose legacy of service aligns closely with Allie’s own background in security forces and military service. Allie says she hopes to meet him in person one day soon.

Looking back on her experience, she is quick to highlight not just the dogs, but the people who helped her get here.

“It’s not even just about the dogs,” Allie says. “The people there are so kind. You’re part of the family—even before you’re matched with a dog. It’s comparable to the camaraderie I felt in the military.”

Her advice to other Veterans is simple: stay open, have faith, there is always hope.

“Just remember that WCC is a no-fail mission and if you believe in yourself and those around you, good things will follow,” she shared.

For Allie, that openness didn’t just lead to a program—it led to stability, connection and a steady partner walking beside her on a very different path forward.
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